Shloka 20
Veṅkaṭeśa-Māhātmya: Varāha Prelude, Descent of Śeṣācala, Svāmipuṣkariṇī and the Network of Tīrthas
with Dāna-Lakṣaṇas
चतुर्मुखं प्रीणयित्वैव भक्त्या ह्यवध्यत्वं प्राप तस्मान्महात्मा / ततो भूमिं करवद्वेष्टयित्वा निन्ये तदा दैत्यवर्यो महात्मा
caturmukhaṃ prīṇayitvaiva bhaktyā hyavadhyatvaṃ prāpa tasmānmahātmā / tato bhūmiṃ karavadveṣṭayitvā ninye tadā daityavaryo mahātmā
以奉爱取悦四面梵天之后，那位大魂从他处获得不死不伤之身（不可杀、不可侵）。随后，那位最卓越的达那瓦（Dānava）大者，将大地如掌中之物般卷裹起来，当时便携之而去。
Lord Vishnu (narrating to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Bhakti can please even Brahmā and yield boons; yet boons may empower adharma when sought by asuric intent—power without dharma becomes destructive.
Vedantic Theme: Ambivalence of siddhi/vara: worldly invulnerability is not liberation; adharma-driven power intensifies bondage and suffering.
Application: Seek spiritual goals over egoic boons; evaluate intentions behind prayers; cultivate dharma as the governor of capability and success.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Type: cosmic-object
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: narratives illustrating asuric boons and ensuing cosmic disorder (general puranic motif)
FAQs
This verse shows how a powerful being, after pleasing Brahmā through devotion, gains “avadhyatva” (invulnerability), which then enables disruptive acts—highlighting that boons amplify the recipient’s nature and can lead to cosmic imbalance.
Indirectly, it contrasts true dharmic devotion with power-seeking devotion; the Garuda Purana often uses such narratives to warn that actions (karma) and intention determine outcomes, even when religious acts are performed.
Cultivate devotion with ethical restraint: spiritual practice should strengthen dharma and compassion, not ego-driven power or harm to others.