Shloka 22
पशूनां च पतिः प्रायो वसूनां पतिरेव च (१४०) / पतिराखण्डलस्यैव वरूणस्य पतिस्तथा
paśūnāṃ ca patiḥ prāyo vasūnāṃ patireva ca (140) / patirākhaṇḍalasyaiva varūṇasya patistathā
Er ist, zumeist, der Herr der Tiere; und auch der Herr der Vasus. Ebenso ist er der Herr von Ākhaṇḍala (Indra) und auch der Herr von Varuṇa.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Supreme Lord as overlord of natural forces and deities—devatās function under His sovereignty.
Vedantic Theme: Īśvara as antaryāmin and niyantṛ (inner ruler) of devas and creatures; unity behind plurality of powers.
Application: Respect natural order and devatā functions while anchoring devotion in the supreme; cultivate stewardship toward animals and environment as under divine lordship.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.15 (pati epithets over devas and beings)
FAQs
This verse stresses that even major gods like Indra and Varuṇa function under a higher supreme lord, establishing a clear hierarchy of cosmic authority.
Indirectly, it frames the afterlife system as governed by higher divine authority—suggesting that all realms and their rulers ultimately operate under the Supreme, which supports the Purana’s broader teaching on surrender and dharma.
Cultivate humility and devotion: respect divine order, perform duties ethically, and avoid pride by remembering that all power is subordinate to the Supreme.