Mārkaṇḍeya Ṛṣi Tested by Indra and Blessed by Nara-Nārāyaṇa
तस्यैवं युञ्जतश्चित्तं तप:स्वाध्यायसंयमै: । अनुग्रहायाविरासीन्नरनारायणो हरि: ॥ ३२ ॥
tasyaivaṁ yuñjataś cittaṁ tapaḥ-svādhyāya-saṁyamaiḥ anugrahāyāvirāsīn nara-nārāyaṇo hariḥ
Um dem heiligen Mārkaṇḍeya Seine Gnade zu schenken, dessen Geist durch Askese, vedisches Studium und Selbstzucht vollkommen in Selbstverwirklichung gefestigt war, erschien Śrī Hari, die Höchste Persönlichkeit Gottes, persönlich vor ihm in den Gestalten Nara und Nārāyaṇa.
This verse states that when one steadies the mind by austerity (tapaḥ), sacred study (svādhyāya), and restraint (saṁyama), Lord Hari can personally manifest to bestow anugraha—His grace.
He appeared specifically “for showing favor” (anugrahāya) because the sage had deeply engaged his mind through disciplined spiritual practices—demonstrating sincerity and steadiness.
Adopt consistent spiritual discipline: simple austerities (regulated habits), daily scriptural reading/chanting, and mindful self-restraint—so the mind becomes steady and receptive to divine guidance and grace.