Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 9
Prahlāda’s Prayers Pacify Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva
Prahlāda-stuti and the Lord’s Benediction Offer
मन्ये धनाभिजनरूपतप:श्रुतौज- स्तेज:प्रभावबलपौरुषबुद्धियोगा: । नाराधनाय हि भवन्ति परस्य पुंसो भक्त्या तुतोष भगवान्गजयूथपाय ॥ ९ ॥
manye dhanābhijana-rūpa-tapaḥ-śrutaujas- tejaḥ-prabhāva-bala-pauruṣa-buddhi-yogāḥ nārādhanāya hi bhavanti parasya puṁso bhaktyā tutoṣa bhagavān gaja-yūtha-pāya
我认为：财富、贵族出身、容貌、苦行、学识、诸根技巧、光辉、影响力、力量、勤勉、智慧与瑜伽神通，都不足以令至上人格神满足；唯有以奉爱，主便欢喜，如象王伽金德罗一般。
No kind of material qualification is the means for satisfying the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As stated in Bhagavad-gītā, only by devotional service can the Lord be known ( bhaktyā mām abhijānāti ). Unless the Lord is pleased by the service of a devotee, the Lord does not reveal Himself ( nāhaṁ prakāśaḥ sarvasya yoga-māyā-samāvṛtaḥ ). This is the verdict of all śāstras. Neither by speculation nor by material qualifications can one understand or approach the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
FAQs
This verse states that wealth, high birth, beauty, austerity, scholarship, strength, influence, intelligence, and yogic powers do not by themselves satisfy the Supreme Lord; He is pleased only by bhakti (devotion).
While offering prayers, Prahlāda emphasizes humility and the supremacy of devotion, teaching that the Lord’s mercy is not purchased by material qualifications but attracted by sincere loving service.
Rather than relying on status, achievements, or power, cultivate daily devotion—hearing, chanting, prayer, and service with sincerity—because the Lord responds to heartfelt bhakti, not external credentials.