Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 23
Brahmā’s Prayers to Lord Nārāyaṇa and the Lord’s Empowering Instructions for Creation
एष प्रपन्नवरदो रमयात्मशक्त्या यद्यत्करिष्यति गृहीतगुणावतार: । तस्मिन् स्वविक्रममिदं सृजतोऽपि चेतो युञ्जीत कर्मशमलं च यथा विजह्याम् ॥ २३ ॥
eṣa prapanna-varado ramayātma-śaktyā yad yat kariṣyati gṛhīta-guṇāvatāraḥ tasmin sva-vikramam idaṁ sṛjato ’pi ceto yuñjīta karma-śamalaṁ ca yathā vijahyām
至上主は常に帰依し身を委ねる者の恩人である。主の御業は内なる力ラマー（シュリー、吉祥天）によって成され、グナ・アヴァターラとして担われることはすべて成就する。私は物質宇宙の創造に携わる中でも主への奉仕に結ばれ、行為の汚れに染まらず、「自分が創造者だ」という虚しい名誉を捨てられるよう祈る。
In the matter of material creation, maintenance and destruction, there are three incarnations of the material modes of nature — Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Maheśvara. But the Lord’s incarnation as Viṣṇu, in His internal potency, is the supreme energy for the total activities. Brahmā, who is only an assistant in the modes of creation, wanted to remain in his actual position as an instrument of the Lord instead of becoming puffed up by the false prestige of thinking himself the creator. That is the way of becoming dear to the Supreme Lord and receiving His benediction. Foolish men want to take credit for all creations made by them, but intelligent persons know very well that not a blade of grass can move without the will of the Lord; thus all the credit for wonderful creations must go to Him. By spiritual consciousness only can one be free from the contamination of material affection and receive the benedictions offered by the Lord.
FAQs
This verse calls the Lord “prapanna-varada,” teaching that sincere surrender attracts His grace and boons, and that devotion to His power purifies karmic impurity.
Brahmā acknowledges that even divine service like creation can bind one if mixed with ego or fruitive intent; therefore he prays to keep his mind fixed on the Lord’s prowess so karma’s taint is removed.
Do your duties, but consciously offer the results to God and remember His supremacy; this devotional focus reduces anxiety, ego, and the binding effects of “karma-śamala.”