Shloka 3
Mārkaṇḍeya’s Request to See Māyā and the Vision of the Cosmic Deluge
वयं ते परितुष्टा: स्म त्वद् बृहद्व्रतचर्यया । वरं प्रतीच्छ भद्रं ते वरदोऽस्मि त्वदीप्सितम् ॥ ३ ॥
vayaṁ te parituṣṭāḥ sma tvad-bṛhad-vrata-caryayā varaṁ pratīccha bhadraṁ te vara-do ’smi tvad-īpsitam
वयं ते परितुष्टाः स्म त्वद् बृहद्व्रतचर्यया। वरं प्रतीच्छ भद्रं ते वरदोऽस्मि त्वदीप्सितम्॥
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura explains that the Lord used the plural form in the beginning of this verse — “We are satisfied” — because He was referring to Himself along with Śiva and Umā, who will later be glorified by Mārkaṇḍeya. The Lord then used the singular — “I am the bestower of benedictions” — because ultimately only Lord Nārāyaṇa (Kṛṣṇa) can award the highest perfection of life, eternal Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
FAQs
This verse shows that when the Lord is pleased by sincere observance of a great vow, He personally offers a boon and is willing to grant what the devotee truly desires.
Because steadfast self-discipline and dedicated vow-observance demonstrate focused devotion and sincerity, which naturally attract the Lord’s mercy and approval.
Choose a sustainable spiritual vow—such as consistent japa, truthful living, regulated habits, and service—and keep it steadily; devotion expressed through disciplined practice invites inner auspiciousness and divine grace.