Shloka 25
Gradations of Bliss and Knowledge; Lakṣmī’s Special Insight; The Rarity of Bhakti in Kali-yuga; Nīlā’s Vow and Śrīnivāsa Darśana
विष्णुं हरिं भूततत्त्वे स्थितं च ये चान्ये च प्रविजानन्ति नित्यम् / अन्ये च पश्यन्ति यथा स्वयोग्यमण्डान्तरस्थं हरिरूपं खगेन्द्र
viṣṇuṃ hariṃ bhūtatattve sthitaṃ ca ye cānye ca pravijānanti nityam / anye ca paśyanti yathā svayogyamaṇḍāntarasthaṃ harirūpaṃ khagendra
O Khagendra (Garuḍa), may ilan na laging tunay na nauunawaan si Viṣṇu—si Hari—na nananahan sa prinsipyo ng mga elemento (bhūta-tattva). At may iba naman na, ayon sa sariling karapat-dapat na yoga, ay namamasdan ang anyo ni Hari na naroroon sa kani-kanilang saklaw o antas ng karanasan.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda)
Concept: Hari abides in bhūta-tattva (elements) and is perceived according to svayogya (individual eligibility/fitness), yielding diverse yet valid apprehensions.
Vedantic Theme: One reality appearing through many upādhis; adhikāra-bheda explains plural religious experience without denying unity.
Application: Respect differing spiritual perceptions; focus on purifying one’s own ‘fitness’ through discipline, devotion, and ethical living to deepen perception of the indwelling divine.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: cosmic planes
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.19.23-24 (rarity and tattva-based knowing); Garuda Purana 3.19.26 (Hari in the heart)
FAQs
The verse teaches that realization of Hari is graded—beings perceive and understand Vishnu according to their inner qualification and capacity, not merely by external learning.
It states that some know Hari as immanent in the elemental principle (bhūta-tattva), while others behold Hari’s form as present within their own sphere or plane (maṇḍa), implying realm-specific modes of divine vision.
Cultivate steadiness in sādhana—ethical living, devotion, and meditation—so perception becomes clearer; avoid comparing experiences, since realization unfolds according to one’s readiness.