Shloka 18
योग–सांख्यसमन्वयः, रथोपमा, व्यक्त–अव्यक्तविवेकः
Yoga–Sāṃkhya Synthesis, Chariot Allegory, and the Vyakta–Avyakta Distinction
चक्रे चानुपमां पूजां तस्याश्वापि स सर्ववित् । देवराज: श्रियं राजन् वाक््यं चेदमुवाच ह,आगे-आगे नारदजी और उनके पीछे साक्षात् इन्द्रदेव हाथ जोड़े हुए देवीकी ओर बढ़े। उन्होंने स्वयं ही देवीको आत्मसमर्पण करके उनकी अनुपम पूजा की। राजन! तत्पश्चात् सर्वज्ञ देवराजने लक्ष्मीदेवीसे इस प्रकार कहा
cakre cānupamāṃ pūjāṃ tasyāśv api sa sarvavit | devarājaḥ śriyaṃ rājan vākyam cedam uvāca ha ||
Bhishma said: The all-knowing Lord of the gods (Indra) performed an incomparable act of worship to her; and then, O King, he addressed Śrī (Lakṣmī) with these words.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even the highest authority among gods models dharmic humility: true greatness expresses itself through reverent surrender and honoring the source of auspiciousness (Śrī/Lakṣmī), implying that prosperity is to be approached with devotion and right conduct rather than pride.
Nārada proceeds ahead and Indra follows with folded hands toward the Goddess; Indra offers himself and performs an unparalleled worship, after which he begins to speak to Śrī/Lakṣmī.