Shloka 67
Veṅkaṭācala Māhātmya: Bhakti-Lakṣaṇa, Nārasiṁha-tīrtha, and the Secret Darśana-Vidhi of Śrīnivāsa
व्याप्तो हरिश्चेत्कथमत्र वै सखे न दृश्यते जलरूपी नृसिंहः / स एवमुक्तो दानवानां सुतैश्च तुष्टाव विष्णुं परमादरेण
vyāpto hariścetkathamatra vai sakhe na dṛśyate jalarūpī nṛsiṃhaḥ / sa evamukto dānavānāṃ sutaiśca tuṣṭāva viṣṇuṃ paramādareṇa
“If Hari is all-pervading, then how is it, my friend, that the water-formed Narasiṃha is not seen here?” Thus addressed, he—together with the sons of the Dānavas—praised Lord Viṣṇu with the greatest reverence.
Narrator (Purāṇic narration describing the dialogue and ensuing praise of Vishnu)
Concept: Omnipresence of Hari is approached through questioning that culminates in praise (stuti) and receptivity to revelation.
Vedantic Theme: Antaryāmin (indwelling presence) and the limits of pratyakṣa (mere seeing) without grace/bhakti.
Application: Transform doubt into inquiry and prayer; use stotra/namaskāra as a means to invite clarity rather than cynicism.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.24.68-71 (manifestation in water; tīrtha effects; Nārasiṃha-tīrtha)
FAQs
This verse highlights the tension between Vishnu’s omnipresence and the fact that divine forms may not be perceptible to ordinary sight; it points to the Purāṇic idea that perception of the divine depends on eligibility, context, and grace.
Indirectly, it reinforces a key Garuda Purana principle: subtle realities are not always visible to gross senses. Just as a divine form may be unseen, the soul’s post-death journey and subtle-body experiences require scriptural guidance rather than mere sensory proof.
Cultivate reverence and disciplined practice (prayer, remembrance, ethical living) rather than demanding proof through immediate perception; the verse models turning doubt into devotion through sincere praise and humility.