Shloka 2
Adhyaya 93 — The Goddess’s Boons to Suratha and the Merchant (Conclusion of the Devi Mahatmyam)
विद्या तथैव क्रियते भगवद्विष्णुमायया ।
तथा त्वमेेष वैश्यश्च तथैवान्ये विवेकिनः ।
मोह्यन्ते मोहिताश्चैव मोहमेेष्यन्ति चापरे ॥
vidyā tathaiva kriyate bhagavad-viṣṇu-māyayā / tathā tvam eṣa vaiśyaś ca tathaivānye vivekinaḥ / mohyante mohitāś caiva moham eṣyanti cāpare
Knowledge too is brought about by the māyā of the Blessed Lord Viṣṇu. So it is with you, and with this vaiśya, and likewise with other discerning people: they are deluded, and having been deluded, others too will fall into delusion.
FAQs
Even ‘knowledge’ and ‘delusion’ occur within māyā’s governance; therefore, one should cultivate humility and seek a higher, liberating discernment rather than pride in intellect. The verse situates the king and merchant as exemplars of common human entanglement.
This is more philosophical-dialogue than pancalakṣaṇa narrative; it supports the Purāṇic function of teaching dharma and tattva within a Manvantara-framed story.
By linking māyā to Bhagavān Viṣṇu while the broader section exalts Devī, the text points to non-dual governance: the deluding and enlightening powers are not separate ultimate principles but coordinated expressions of the one supreme śakti.