Shloka 116
Multi-form Manifestations, Indra–Kāma Incarnations, Pravāha, and the Twofold Buddhi
Sense-Discipline and Exclusive Refuge in Viṣṇu
दीपस्तंभः कुत्र पलायितोभूदतो मूलं विष्णुपादं भजस्व / लक्ष्मीदिने पूजयित्वा च लक्ष्मीं सूत्रं तस्याः स्वगले धारय त्वम्
dīpastaṃbhaḥ kutra palāyitobhūdato mūlaṃ viṣṇupādaṃ bhajasva / lakṣmīdine pūjayitvā ca lakṣmīṃ sūtraṃ tasyāḥ svagale dhāraya tvam
Ke manakah tiang pelita itu melarikan diri? Maka berlindunglah pada akar yang sejati—di kaki Paduka Wisnu. Pada hari suci Dewi Lakshmi, sembahlah Lakshmi, lalu pakailah benang/azimatnya pada lehermu sendiri.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra, within the teaching narrative)
Concept: Worldly supports are unstable; true ‘root’ refuge is Vishnu’s feet; Lakshmi worship is to be integrated as auspicious devotion under Vishnu’s shelter.
Vedantic Theme: Sharanāgati and nitya-anitya-viveka (discerning the impermanent from the permanent) with Vishnu as the stable adhara.
Application: Prioritize daily remembrance of Vishnu (especially pāda-sevā/namaskāra); observe Lakshmi-vrata/puja on her sacred day; wear a consecrated protective thread as a reminder of vows and devotion rather than mere superstition.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa themes: impermanence of wealth and need for Vishnu-refuge (adjacent verses 3.28.117ff)
FAQs
This verse frames Vishnu’s feet as the “root” (true foundation) when external supports fail, emphasizing bhakti and surrender as the most reliable spiritual refuge.
It gives a direct ritual instruction: on an auspicious day dedicated to Lakshmi, one should worship her and then wear a Lakshmi-related protective thread (sūtra) at the neck as a sign of observance and devotion.
Prioritize steady devotion and ethical living as the foundation, and if observing a Lakshmi-vrata, perform worship with sincerity and keep a simple vow/marker (like a sacred thread) as a reminder of discipline and gratitude.