Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 51
Prahlāda Rejects Material Boons; Forgives His Father; Tripura and the Power of Remembrance
स एष भगवान् राजन्व्यतनोद्विहतं यश: । पुरा रुद्रस्य देवस्य मयेनानन्तमायिना ॥ ५१ ॥
sa eṣa bhagavān rājan vyatanod vihataṁ yaśaḥ purā rudrasya devasya mayenānanta-māyinā
Hỡi vua Yudhiṣṭhira, thuở xa xưa, Maya Dānava với quyền năng huyễn thuật vô tận đã làm tổn hại danh tiếng của thần Rudra (Śiva). Khi ấy, chính Bhagavān Śrī Kṛṣṇa đã cứu hộ Śiva và phục hồi, mở rộng lại vinh quang đã bị suy giảm.
Lord Śiva is known as Mahādeva, the most exalted demigod. Thus Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura says that although Lord Brahmā did not know the glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Śiva could have known them. This historical incident proves that Lord Śiva derives power from Lord Kṛṣṇa, the Parabrahman.
FAQs
This verse states that the same Bhagavān can reestablish even Rudra’s ruined glory, showing the Lord’s supreme power and protective role over His devotees and servants.
He highlights the Lord’s limitless ability to counter powerful illusion (māyā) by recalling an earlier event where Bhagavān undid the damage caused by Maya Dānava and restored Śiva’s fame—supporting the theme that the Lord is always victorious and protective.
When one’s reputation, confidence, or spiritual steadiness feels “broken” by overwhelming influences, this verse encourages taking shelter of Bhagavān, trusting that divine grace can restore what seems lost.