Shloka 2

Adhyaya 93 — The Goddess’s Boons to Suratha and the Merchant (Conclusion of the Devi Mahatmyam)

Sanskrit

विद्या तथैव क्रियते भगवद्विष्णुमायया ।

तथा त्वमेेष वैश्यश्च तथैवान्ये विवेकिनः ।

मोह्यन्ते मोहिताश्चैव मोहमेेष्यन्ति चापरे ॥

Transliteration

vidyā tathaiva kriyate bhagavad-viṣṇu-māyayā / tathā tvam eṣa vaiśyaś ca tathaivānye vivekinaḥ / mohyante mohitāś caiva moham eṣyanti cāpare

Translation

ज्ञान भी भगवान् विष्णु की माया से ही उत्पन्न होता है। तुम्हारे साथ भी, इस वैश्य के साथ भी, और अन्य विवेकी जनों के साथ भी यही होता है—वे मोहित होते हैं; और मोहित होकर दूसरों को भी मोह में गिरा देते हैं।

Speakers

• Ṛṣi speaking within the frame dialogue (addressing the king and the merchant)

Primary Deities

• Viṣṇu
• Devī (as Māyā)

Shakti Aspects

• ['Mahāmāyā identified with Viṣṇu’s māyā (Vaiṣṇava-Shākta synthesis)']

Key Themes

• Māyā
• Epistemology (knowledge and delusion)
• Shākta-Vaiṣṇava synthesis
• Human condition

FAQs

What is the philosophical or ethical takeaway?

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.

How does this fit the Pancalakshana (5 characteristics)?

This is more philosophical-dialogue than pancalakṣaṇa narrative; it supports the Purāṇic function of teaching dharma and tattva within a Manvantara-framed story.

What is the esoteric significance?

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.