Veṅkaṭācala Māhātmya: Bhakti-Lakṣaṇa, Nārasiṁha-tīrtha, and the Secret Darśana-Vidhi of Śrīnivāsa
स्थलेस्थले एवमेवापि कार्यं जैगीषव्यं पुनरेवाह देवी / कन्योवाच / जैगीषव्यः श्रीनिवासो हरिस्तु ब्रह्मादीनां दृश्यते श्रीनिवासः
sthalesthale evamevāpi kāryaṃ jaigīṣavyaṃ punarevāha devī / kanyovāca / jaigīṣavyaḥ śrīnivāso haristu brahmādīnāṃ dṛśyate śrīnivāsaḥ
“Ở mọi nơi, nghi thức quả thật phải được cử hành đúng như vậy,” Nữ Thần lại nói với Jaigīṣavya. Thiếu nữ thưa: “Jaigīṣavya chính là Śrīnivāsa—thật vậy, là Hari (Viṣṇu) tự thân; và trong danh hiệu Śrīnivāsa, Ngài được thấy bởi cả Brahmā và các chư thiên khác.”
Kanyā (the maiden); with the Goddess (Devī) referenced as speaking to Jaigīṣavya
Concept: The rite is portable (can be done anywhere); Jaigīṣavya is identified with Śrīnivāsa/Hari—suggesting divine presence through the sage/manifestation and the supremacy of Vishnu recognized by gods.
Vedantic Theme: Non-separation of the divine from the locus of true teaching; Ishvara-tattva as supreme, witnessed by Brahmā and devas; sacredness through right recognition (pratyabhijñā-like insight).
Application: Do not postpone practice for ‘perfect’ places; sanctify any place through correct procedure and remembrance; honor realized teachers as channels of Hari’s presence while maintaining Vishnu as the ultimate refuge.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: portability of dharma/bhakti practices and emphasis on Vishnu’s supremacy; Garuda Purana: narratives where sages embody or reveal Vishnu’s presence
This verse stresses uniformity and completeness of observance—wherever the practitioner is, the prescribed act should be carried out in the same proper manner, without neglect due to location.
It elevates Jaigīṣavya by identifying him with Śrīnivāsa/Hari (Viṣṇu), implying that honoring or following his instruction aligns with devotion to Viṣṇu, who is revered even by Brahmā and other deities.
Maintain consistency in dharmic practice—perform your daily duties, prayers, and ethical commitments steadily across changing circumstances, grounding actions in devotion and right procedure.