Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 53
Prahlāda Rejects Material Boons; Forgives His Father; Tripura and the Power of Remembrance
श्रीनारद उवाच निर्जिता असुरा देवैर्युध्यनेनोपबृंहितै: । मायिनां परमाचार्यं मयं शरणमाययु: ॥ ५३ ॥
śrī-nārada uvāca nirjitā asurā devair yudhy anenopabṛṁhitaiḥ māyināṁ paramācāryaṁ mayaṁ śaraṇam āyayuḥ
Śrī Nārada said: When the demigods, empowered by the mercy of Lord Kṛṣṇa, fought the asuras, the asuras were defeated; therefore they took shelter of Maya Dānava, the foremost master of illusion among the demons.
FAQs
Maya Dānava is described here as the foremost teacher among those expert in māyā—mystic illusion—whom the defeated Asuras approach for refuge.
After losing to the Devas—who had become strengthened through battle—the Asuras sought protection and strategy from Maya, renowned for his mastery of illusory and mystical arts.
When driven by ego or rivalry, one may seek “shortcuts” through deception or manipulation; the Bhagavatam contrasts such dependence on illusion with the devotee’s shelter in the Lord, which alone brings lasting victory and peace.