Raivata and Cākṣuṣa Manvantaras; Brahmā’s Prayers at Śvetadvīpa
Prelude to Samudra-manthana
श्रोत्राद् दिशो यस्य हृदश्च खानि प्रजज्ञिरे खं पुरुषस्य नाभ्या: । प्राणेन्द्रियात्मासुशरीरकेत: प्रसीदतां न: स महाविभूति: ॥ ३८ ॥
śrotrād diśo yasya hṛdaś ca khāni prajajñire khaṁ puruṣasya nābhyāḥ prāṇendriyātmāsu-śarīra-ketaḥ prasīdatāṁ naḥ sa mahā-vibhūtiḥ
ليَرضَ عنا ذلك الإلهُ الأعلى قدرةً. فالجهاتُ وُلدت من أذنيه، ومنافذُ الجسد من قلبه، والأكاشا (الأثير) من سرّته. والبران، والحواس، والعقل، والهواء الكامن في الجسد، والأثير الذي هو مأوى الجسد—كلّها صدرت منه.
This verse explains a devotional-cosmological vision: the directions arise from the Lord’s ears, the senses and vital functions from His heart, and the sky (ether) from His navel—showing all existence depends on the Supreme Person.
Facing crisis and seeking protection, the devas glorify the Lord as the source and controller of all cosmic functions, and then beg, “May He be pleased with us,” emphasizing dependence on His mercy rather than their own power.
It trains one to see life, breath, and ability as gifts from the Supreme, encouraging humility, gratitude, and prayerful reliance on God—especially during anxiety, conflict, or uncertainty.