Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 42
Brahmā Counsels the Demigods; Journey to Kailāsa; Śiva’s Tranquility and Brahmā’s Praise
ब्रह्मोवाच जाने त्वामीशं विश्वस्य जगतो योनिबीजयो: । शक्ते: शिवस्य च परं यत्तद्ब्रह्म निरन्तरम् ॥ ४२ ॥
brahmovāca jāne tvām īśaṁ viśvasya jagato yoni-bījayoḥ śakteḥ śivasya ca paraṁ yat tad brahma nirantaram
பிரம்மா கூறினார்: ஈசனே சிவா! நீயே முழு உலகின் ஆளுநன்; பிரபஞ்ச வெளிப்பாட்டின் யோனி-பீஜம் எனும் தாய்-தந்தை காரணமும் நீயே; மேலும் சக்தி-சிவத்தைத் தாண்டிய நிரந்தர பரப்ரஹ்மமும் நீயே என்று நான் அறிகிறேன்।
Although Lord Brahmā had received very respectful obeisances from Lord Śiva, he knew that Lord Śiva was in a more exalted position than himself. Lord Śiva’s position is described in Brahma-saṁhitā: there is no difference between Lord Viṣṇu and Lord Śiva in their original positions, but still Lord Śiva is different from Lord Viṣṇu. The example is given that the milk in yogurt is not different from the original milk from which it was made.
FAQs
This verse states that the ultimate Absolute Truth is beyond both material energy (śakti) and Śiva, and is the uninterrupted, all-pervading Brahman—the supreme controller and cause of creation.
In the context of Dakṣa’s sacrifice and its aftermath, Brahmā pacifies and glorifies Śiva by recognizing the higher, transcendental reality that Śiva serves and embodies devotion to—affirming proper spiritual hierarchy and reconciliation.
It encourages seeing the world’s causes and outcomes as ultimately rooted in the Divine, fostering humility, responsibility, and devotion rather than ego-centered control over results.