Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 29
Diti’s Untimely Desire and the Birth-Cause of the Asura Line
Prelude to Hiranyākṣa–Varāha
ब्रह्मादयो यत्कृतसेतुपाला यत्कारणं विश्वमिदं च माया । आज्ञाकरी यस्य पिशाचचर्या अहो विभूम्नश्चरितं विडम्बनम् ॥ २९ ॥
brahmādayo yat-kṛta-setu-pālā yat-kāraṇaṁ viśvam idaṁ ca māyā ājñā-karī yasya piśāca-caryā aho vibhūmnaś caritaṁ viḍambanam
梵天などの神々でさえ、彼が定めたダルマの規範を守る。彼こそが、この宇宙を顕現させるマーヤーの支配者である。ゆえに、彼の命に従う「鬼神のごとき振る舞い」は、大自在者の行いの単なる模倣にすぎない。
Lord Śiva is the husband of Durgā, the controller of the material energy. Durgā is personified material energy, and Lord Śiva, being her husband, is the controller of the material energy. He is also the incarnation of the mode of ignorance and one of the three deities representing the Supreme Lord. As His representative, Lord Śiva is identical with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is very great, and his renunciation of all material enjoyment is an ideal example of how one should be materially unattached. One should therefore follow in his footsteps and be unattached to matter, not imitate his uncommon acts like drinking poison.
FAQs
This verse states that māyā, though bewildering like a ghostly force, is not independent—she acts only as an obedient servant under the Supreme Lord’s command.
Because the Lord is the ultimate cause and controller of all, yet He allows the world to appear bewildering through māyā—creating a divine, playful irony that highlights His supremacy.
Remember that illusion is not all-powerful; it operates by the Lord’s permission. By turning to bhakti—hearing, chanting, and seeking shelter of Bhagavān—one gains clarity and protection from māyā’s confusion.