Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 40
Raivata and Cākṣuṣa Manvantaras; Brahmā’s Prayers at Śvetadvīpa
Prelude to Samudra-manthana
श्रीर्वक्षस: पितरश्छाययासन् धर्म: स्तनादितर: पृष्ठतोऽभूत् । द्यौर्यस्य शीर्ष्णोऽप्सरसो विहारात् प्रसीदतां न: स महाविभूति: ॥ ४० ॥
śrīr vakṣasaḥ pitaraś chāyayāsan dharmaḥ stanād itaraḥ pṛṣṭhato ’bhūt dyaur yasya śīrṣṇo ’psaraso vihārāt prasīdatāṁ naḥ sa mahā-vibhūtiḥ
Aus Seiner Brust erschien Śrī Lakṣmī; aus Seinem Schatten die Bewohner von Pitṛloka; aus Seinem Busen entstand Dharma, und aus Seinem Rücken Adharma. Vom Scheitel Seines Hauptes offenbarten sich die himmlischen Welten, und aus Seinem Genuss entstanden die Apsarās. Möge jene höchste göttliche Person voller Macht uns gnädig sein.
FAQs
This verse states that Śrī (Lakṣmī) eternally abides on the Lord’s chest, highlighting Him as the supreme shelter of prosperity, auspiciousness, and divine grace.
Facing danger and seeking protection, the Devas offer stuti describing the Lord as the cosmic foundation—source of Dharma and support of all beings—so that He may be pleased and come to their aid.
Align with Dharma by choosing integrity and duty as “front-facing” priorities, and keep Adharma “behind” by refusing shortcuts and harm—seeking the Lord’s pleasure through right action and devotion.