Manvantara Enumerations Begin: Svāyambhuva’s Austerity, Yajñapati’s Protection, and the Avatāras up to Hari
Gajendra Prelude
तत्रापि जज्ञे भगवान्हरिण्यां हरिमेधस: । हरिरित्याहृतो येन गजेन्द्रो मोचितो ग्रहात् ॥ ३० ॥
tatrāpi jajñe bhagavān hariṇyāṁ harimedhasaḥ harir ity āhṛto yena gajendro mocito grahāt
In that manvantara as well, the Supreme Lord Viṣṇu appeared from the womb of Hariṇī, the wife of Harimedhā, and He was known as Hari. That Hari delivered His devotee Gajendra, king of elephants, from the jaws of the crocodile.
This verse states that the Lord, known as Hari, delivered Gajendra when He was invoked—highlighting the liberating power of sincerely calling upon the Lord’s divine name.
Śukadeva is listing the Lord’s incarnations across different Manvantaras; he identifies the Lord as Hari, famous for rescuing Gajendra from the crocodile.
In crisis, turn the mind toward God with humility and sincerity—calling the Lord’s name and seeking shelter—rather than relying only on panic or pride.