Shloka 51
The Pracetās Meet Lord Viṣṇu—Benedictions, Pure Prayer, and the Birth of Dakṣa
यो जायमान: सर्वेषां तेजस्तेजस्विनां रुचा । स्वयोपादत्त दाक्ष्याच्च कर्मणां दक्षमब्रुवन् ॥ ५० ॥ तं प्रजासर्गरक्षायामनादिरभिषिच्य च । युयोज युयुजेऽन्यांश्च स वै सर्वप्रजापतीन् ॥ ५१ ॥
yo jāyamānaḥ sarveṣāṁ tejas tejasvināṁ rucā svayopādatta dākṣyāc ca karmaṇāṁ dakṣam abruvan
Upon his birth, Dakṣa, by the surpassing radiance of his own body, eclipsed the splendor of all others. Because he was exceedingly expert in the performance of karmic works, he was called Dakṣa—“the most capable.” Therefore Lord Brahmā appointed him to the task of generating and protecting the living beings, and in due course Dakṣa engaged the other Prajāpatis as well in the work of creation and maintenance.
Dakṣa became almost as powerful as Lord Brahmā. Consequently, Lord Brahmā engaged him in generating population. Dakṣa was very influential and opulent. In his own turn, Dakṣa engaged other Prajāpatis, headed by Marīci. In this way the population of the universe increased.
FAQs
This verse says Dakṣa was extraordinarily effulgent from birth and naturally competent in action, so the sages recognized him as ‘Dakṣa,’ the expert.
Because his innate dākṣya—skill, capability, and efficiency in works—was evident, and thus he was designated Dakṣa, meaning the able and expert one.
Cultivate disciplined competence—doing one’s duties skillfully and responsibly—while recognizing that true brilliance is meant to serve dharma and the greater good.