Jñāna-hetu-nirūpaṇa
On the Causes/Means of Knowledge
अभिप्रायं तस्य सम्यग्विदित्त्वा तपः कुरु त्वं हरितुष्ट्यर्थमेव / तपो ऽकरोद्धरिपादैक निष्ठो हरेः प्रीत्यर्थं दिव्यसहस्रवर्षम्
abhiprāyaṃ tasya samyagvidittvā tapaḥ kuru tvaṃ harituṣṭyarthameva / tapo 'karoddharipādaika niṣṭho hareḥ prītyarthaṃ divyasahasravarṣam
Habiendo comprendido rectamente Su intención, practica la austeridad—sólo para la complacencia de Hari. Fijado únicamente en los pies de Hari, emprendió penitencia durante mil años divinos, para el gozo de Hari.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda, Vinata-putra)
Concept: Tapas becomes fruitful when aligned with Hari’s satisfaction; ekānta-niṣṭhā at Hari’s feet sustained over time leads to divine grace.
Vedantic Theme: Bhakti as upaya and upēya; ananya-bhakti/ekānta; grace responding to steadfast sadhana.
Application: Choose a clear devotional aim (pleasing the Divine), maintain consistent daily practice over long periods, and anchor attention in a single sacred focus (name/form/feet).
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
Related Themes: 3.12.10 (command to do tapas); 3.12.12 (Hari appears to grant boon)
This verse frames austerity as spiritually valid when done with the intention of pleasing Hari—making devotion (bhakti) the guiding purpose rather than ego or display.
It emphasizes inner orientation: exclusive refuge at Hari’s feet and disciplined tapas are presented as a liberating direction for consciousness, shaping one’s destiny beyond mere ritualism.
Undertake disciplined practice—fasting, japa, charity, self-restraint—anchored in humility and devotion, aiming at inner purification and service rather than personal prestige.