Shloka 22
Hari-stuti by Śrī, Brahmā, Vāyu, Sarasvatī, Śeṣa, Garuḍa, Rudra, Vāruṇī and Pārvatī
Humility, Surrender, and the Power of the Name
एतादृशी शक्तिर्ममास्ति देव तव प्रसादाद्ब्र लिनोपि विष्णो / अथापि नाहं स्तवने समर्थः लक्ष्म्या ह्यहं कोटिगुणैर्विहीनः
etādṛśī śaktirmamāsti deva tava prasādādbra linopi viṣṇo / athāpi nāhaṃ stavane samarthaḥ lakṣmyā hyahaṃ koṭiguṇairvihīnaḥ
「主よ、このような力が我にあるのは、ただ御恩寵によるもの、ああ大いなるヴィシュヌよ。されど我は、ふさわしく御身を讃えることができぬ。われはラクシュミーにも、数知れぬ徳にも欠けているゆえ。」
Garuda (Vinata-putra), addressing Lord Vishnu
Concept: All capacities arise from Vishnu’s prasada; true praise is limited by human finitude and lack of divine qualities.
Vedantic Theme: Ishvara-anugraha (grace) as the source of shakti; humility (amanitva) as a bhakti-ornament; Lakshmi as symbol of auspicious virtues and divine splendor.
Application: Attribute talents to grace rather than ego; cultivate humility in worship; offer praise without claiming adequacy—continue practice as seva.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: stotra-phala framing in 3.6.23–24; Garuda Purana: recurring motif of Vishnu’s prasada as the source of siddhi
FAQs
This verse models devotional humility: even with strength gained by the Lord’s grace, the devotee admits inability to fully describe God’s greatness, emphasizing surrender over pride.
Garuda states his capacity (śakti) exists due to Viṣṇu’s prasāda, implying spiritual power and competence arise from grace rather than personal merit.
Approach prayer, study, and ritual with gratitude and modesty—recognize strengths as blessings, and keep devotion sincere rather than performative.