Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 30

Mārkaṇḍeya Ṛṣi Meets Lord Śiva: Devotee as Living Tīrtha and the Lord’s Māyā

Devanagari script

नैतावता भगवत: स्वमायामयवृत्तिभि: । न दुष्येतानुभावस्तैर्मायिन: कुहकं यथा ॥ ३० ॥

Transliteration

naitāvatā bhagavataḥ sva-māyā-maya-vṛttibhiḥ na duṣyetānubhāvas tair māyinaḥ kuhakaṁ yathā

Translation

Cette humilité apparente n’est que miséricorde. La puissance du Bhagavān et de Ses compagnons personnels, qu’Il manifeste par Sa propre māyā, n’en est nullement altérée, pas plus que l’art d’un magicien ne diminue en montrant ses tours.

Synonyms

• sva: māyā — of His own illusory energy

Characters & Entities

• Bhagavān (Supreme Lord)

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about the Supreme Lord being unaffected by māyā?

This verse states that although the Lord manifests transformations through His own māyā, His divine potency and position are never tainted—like a magician who remains separate from his illusion.

Why does Śukadeva Gosvāmī compare māyā to a magician’s trick?

To show that the Lord’s creative and illusory energies can produce real effects in the world without altering or contaminating the Lord Himself, who always remains transcendental.

How can this teaching be applied in modern life?

It encourages devotees to trust that God is always pure and in control, and to seek shelter in bhakti rather than being overwhelmed by changing circumstances created by māyā.