Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 34
Raivata and Cākṣuṣa Manvantaras; Brahmā’s Prayers at Śvetadvīpa
Prelude to Samudra-manthana
सोमं मनो यस्य समामनन्ति दिवौकसां यो बलमन्ध आयु: । ईशो नगानां प्रजन: प्रजानां प्रसीदतां न: स महाविभूति: ॥ ३४ ॥
somaṁ mano yasya samāmananti divaukasāṁ yo balam andha āyuḥ īśo nagānāṁ prajanaḥ prajānāṁ prasīdatāṁ naḥ sa mahā-vibhūtiḥ
苏摩，即月神，赐予诸天谷粮、力量与寿命；他为草木之主，亦为一切众生繁衍之源。贤哲宣说：月即至上主的人意。愿那具足大威德与诸般富饶的至尊人格神垂怜悦纳我们。
Soma, the predominating deity of the moon, is the source of food grains and therefore the source of strength even for the celestial beings, the demigods. He is the vital force for all vegetation. Unfortunately, modern so-called scientists, who do not fully understand the moon, describe the moon as being full of deserts. Since the moon is the source for our vegetation, how can the moon be a desert? The moonshine is the vital force for all vegetation, and therefore we cannot possibly accept that the moon is a desert.
FAQs
This verse praises the Supreme Lord as the one whom people glorify as Soma and as the mind itself—indicating that even cosmic deities and inner faculties ultimately rest upon and represent His supreme governance.
In this chapter the devas, distressed and seeking protection and success, offer hymns recognizing that their strength, longevity, and cosmic order depend on the Supreme Lord’s mercy.
It encourages humility and dependence on divine grace—using one’s strength and time responsibly, with gratitude, prayer, and dharmic living rather than pride in temporary power.