Shloka 25
Raivata and Cākṣuṣa Manvantaras; Brahmā’s Prayers at Śvetadvīpa
Prelude to Samudra-manthana
तत्रादृष्टस्वरूपाय श्रुतपूर्वाय वै प्रभु: । स्तुतिमब्रूत दैवीभिर्गीर्भिस्त्ववहितेन्द्रिय: ॥ २५ ॥
tatrādṛṣṭa-svarūpāya śruta-pūrvāya vai prabhuḥ stutim abrūta daivībhir gīrbhis tv avahitendriyaḥ
Allí, aunque nunca había visto Su forma, Brahmā, por haber oído de Él en los Vedas, con los sentidos recogidos ofreció una alabanza en palabras divinas autorizadas por la revelación.
It is said that when Brahmā and the other demigods go to see the Supreme Personality of Godhead in Śvetadvīpa, they cannot directly see Him, but their prayers are heard by the Lord, and the needful action is taken. This we have seen in many instances. The word śruta-pūrvāya is significant. We get experience by directly seeing or by hearing. If it is not possible to see someone directly, we can hear about him from authentic sources. Sometimes people ask whether we can show them God. This is ludicrous. It is not necessary for one to see God before he can accept God. Our sensory perception is always incomplete. Therefore, even if we see God, we may not be able to understand Him. When Kṛṣṇa was on earth, many, many people saw Him but could not understand that He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Avajānanti māṁ mūḍhā mānuṣīṁ tanum āśritam. Even though the rascals and fools saw Kṛṣṇa personally, they could not understand that He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Even upon seeing God personally, one who is unfortunate cannot understand Him. Therefore we have to hear about God, Kṛṣṇa, from the authentic Vedic literature and from persons who understand the Vedic version properly. Even though Brahmā had not seen the Supreme Personality of Godhead before, he was confident that the Lord was there in Śvetadvīpa. Thus he took the opportunity to go there and offer prayers to the Lord.
FAQs
This verse highlights that true prayer is offered with avahita-indriya—senses gathered and focused—so the devotee’s words become steady, reverent, and spiritually effective.
After approaching the Lord whom they had heard about but not directly seen, Indra (representing the devas) begins formal stuti to seek divine shelter and help in their crisis.
Before praying or chanting, pause to quiet distractions, bring attention to the Lord, and speak sincerely—focused devotion is emphasized over hurried or mechanical words.