Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 40
Lord Śiva Bewildered by Mohinī
Viṣṇu’s Yoga-māyā and the Limits of Ascetic Power
सेयं गुणमयी माया न त्वामभिभविष्यति । मया समेता कालेन कालरूपेण भागश: ॥ ४० ॥
seyaṁ guṇa-mayī māyā na tvām abhibhaviṣyati mayā sametā kālena kāla-rūpeṇa bhāgaśaḥ
Cette māyā, faite des trois guṇa, qui coopère avec Moi dans la création et se manifeste par parts sous la forme du temps, ne pourra plus te troubler désormais.
When Lord Śiva was present, his wife, Durgā, was also there. Durgā works in cooperation with the Supreme Personality of Godhead in creating the cosmic manifestation. The Lord says in Bhagavad-gītā (9.10) , mayādhyakṣeṇa prakṛtiḥ sūyate sacarācaram: “The material energy [ prakṛti ] works under My direction, O son of Kuntī, and is producing all moving and unmoving beings.” Prakṛti is Durgā.
FAQs
This verse states that māyā is guṇa-mayī—woven from sattva, rajas, and tamas—yet it cannot overpower one who is aligned with the Lord’s support and grace.
In the Mohinī-mūrti episode, Śiva is about to witness the Lord’s enchanting potency; Viṣṇu reassures him that the guṇa-based māyā will not defeat him when he remains connected to Viṣṇu, and that time will resolve the effect progressively.
Hold steady to devotion and right understanding; with patience and sustained practice, the mind’s illusions weaken gradually—“step by step”—as one lives in alignment with the Lord’s guidance.