Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 7
Bali Liberated, Prahlāda Blessed, and Vāmana Accepted as Universal Protector
यत्पादपद्ममकरन्दनिषेवणेन ब्रह्मादय: शरणदाश्नुवते विभूती: । कस्माद् वयं कुसृतय: खलयोनयस्ते दाक्षिण्यदृष्टिपदवीं भवत: प्रणीता: ॥ ७ ॥
yat-pāda-padma-makaranda-niṣevaṇena brahmādayaḥ śaraṇadāśnuvate vibhūtīḥ kasmād vayaṁ kusṛtayaḥ khala-yonayas te dākṣiṇya-dṛṣṭi-padavīṁ bhavataḥ praṇītāḥ
あらゆる者の至上の庇護者よ。ブラフマーらの偉大な者たちは、あなたの蓮華の御足に奉仕する蜜を味わうだけで完成を得ます。しかるに、ねたみに満ちたアスラの家系に生まれた私たちのような悪しき迷い人が、どうしてあなたの慈悲のまなざしに与れたのでしょう。それはただ、あなたの無因の憐れみによるのです。
FAQs
This verse teaches that even exalted beings like Brahmā attain true shelter and divine opulences by serving the nectar of the Lord’s lotus feet—showing that bhakti is the supreme refuge.
In the Vāmana narrative, the demigods feel unworthy due to past faults and dependence on power, so they praise Viṣṇu’s compassion—acknowledging that His mercy, not their status, grants protection.
Adopt humility and steady devotional practice—regular remembrance, prayer, and service—trusting that sincere bhakti invites divine guidance beyond one’s perceived qualifications.