Shloka 1
Hari’s Special Mercy, Śiva’s Quick Boons, and the Deliverance from Vṛkāsura
श्रीराजोवाच देवासुरमनुष्येषु ये भजन्त्यशिवं शिवम् । प्रायस्ते धनिनो भोजा न तु लक्ष्म्या: पतिं हरिम् ॥ १ ॥
śrī-rājovāca devāsura-manuṣyesu ye bhajanty aśivaṁ śivam prāyas te dhanino bhojā na tu lakṣmyāḥ patiṁ harim
King Parīkṣit said: Among demigods, demons, and humans, those who worship Śiva, the austere renunciant, generally gain wealth and enjoyment, whereas the worshipers of Lord Hari, the husband of Lakṣmī, generally do not.
FAQs
This verse notes that across devas, asuras, and humans, many worship Śiva primarily for worldly prosperity and enjoyment rather than for the supreme spiritual goal.
In the context of Canto 10, Parīkṣit is probing the deeper purpose of different forms of worship, highlighting that devotion aimed at Hari (the Lord of Lakṣmī) leads beyond material gain.
Examine your spiritual goals: if practice is mainly for success, status, or comfort, redirect intention toward devotion that purifies the heart and seeks lasting liberation through Hari.