Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 42
Mārkaṇḍeya Ṛṣi Tested by Indra and Blessed by Nara-Nārāyaṇa
तस्यावितु: स्थिरचरेशितुरङ्घ्रिमूलं यत्स्थं न कर्मगुणकालरज: स्पृशन्ति । यद् वै स्तुवन्ति निनमन्ति यजन्त्यभीक्ष्णं ध्यायन्ति वेदहृदया मुनयस्तदाप्त्यै ॥ ४२ ॥
tasyāvituḥ sthira-careśitur aṅghri-mūlaṁ yat-sthaṁ na karma-guṇa-kāla-rajaḥ spṛśanti yad vai stuvanti ninamanti yajanty abhīkṣṇaṁ dhyāyanti veda-hṛdayā munayas tad-āptyai
Because You are the protector and supreme controller of all moving and nonmoving beings, one who takes shelter of Your lotus feet is never touched by the dust of karma, material qualities, or time. Sages who have absorbed the heart of the Vedas praise You; to attain Your company they bow whenever possible, worship You constantly, and meditate upon You.
FAQs
This verse says that at the Lord’s lotus feet there is a state not touched by the contamination of karma, the material modes, or time, and that sages seek it through constant devotion.
He presents these as practical limbs of bhakti by which realized sages attain the Lord’s shelter—the transcendental position beyond material influence.
Adopt a steady daily practice of bhakti—regular glorification (kīrtana), respectful humility (namaskāra), worship (sevā/arcana), and meditation (smaraṇa)—to reduce material agitation and deepen spiritual shelter.