Shloka 8
भक्तिमन्तो हि मे रक्ष्या इत्येतेनापि हेतुना । भक्तो5यं परया भक्त्या मामित्येव महाभुज । ममापि भक्तिरुत्पन्ना स त्वं कुरु वचो मम,मुझे अपने भक्तोंकी रक्षा करनी ही चाहिये, इसलिये भी तुमसे तुम्हारे हितकी बात कहता हूँ। महाबाहो! यह मेरा भक्त है, परम भक्तिभावसे मेरा भजन करता है, यह सोचकर मेरे मनमें भी तुम्हारे प्रति स्नेह जाग उठा है। अत: तुम मेरी आज्ञाका पालन करो
bhaktimanto hi me rakṣyā ity etena api hetunā | bhakto 'yaṃ parayā bhaktyā mām ity eva mahābhuja | mamāpi bhaktir utpannā sa tvaṃ kuru vaco mama ||
“Those who are devoted to me must indeed be protected—on this ground as well I speak to you for your welfare. O mighty-armed one, ‘This man is my devotee; with supreme devotion he worships me alone’—thinking thus, affection has arisen in me toward you too. Therefore, do as I command.”
सूर्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse asserts a divine ethical principle: true devotees are to be protected. Because of the devotee’s exclusive and intense devotion, the deity’s compassionate regard is stirred, leading to guidance meant for the devotee’s welfare and a call to follow that instruction.
Sūrya speaks directly to a mighty-armed devotee, explaining that the devotee’s steadfast worship obliges divine protection. Moved by this devotion, Sūrya expresses personal affection and urges the listener to obey his directive for the listener’s benefit.