Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 35
The Slaying of Hiraṇyākṣa and the Triumph of Varāha
यो गजेन्द्र झषग्रस्तं ध्यायन्तं चरणाम्बुजम् । क्रोशन्तीनां करेणूनां कृच्छ्रतोऽमोचयद् द्रुतम् ॥ ३५ ॥
yo gajendraṁ jhaṣa-grastaṁ dhyāyantaṁ caraṇāmbujam krośantīnāṁ kareṇūnāṁ kṛcchrato ’mocayad drutam
主は、鰐に襲われつつも主の蓮華の御足を念じた象王ガジェーンドラを、ただちに苦難から救い出された。そのとき伴う雌象たちは悲痛に泣き叫んでいた。
The example of the elephant in danger who was saved by the Supreme Lord is especially cited here because even if one is an animal he can approach the Personality of Godhead in devotional service, whereas even a demigod cannot approach the Supreme Person unless he is a devotee.
FAQs
This verse recalls that the Lord swiftly delivered Gajendra when he was seized by a crocodile, because Gajendra meditated on the Lord’s lotus feet in distress.
The verse highlights that remembrance and focused devotion (dhyāna on the Lord’s caraṇāmbuja) is what draws the Lord’s immediate mercy and protection, even in extreme danger.
In crisis, turn the mind toward sincere remembrance of the Lord and take refuge in devotion rather than panic—this shloka teaches that heartfelt surrender invites divine help and inner strength.