Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 12.10.17
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesHonoring Lord Śiva’s Different Manifestations
“Again and again I offer my obeisances unto you, O all-auspicious transcendental personality. As the lord of goodness you give pleasure, in contact with the mode of passion you appear most fearful, and you also associate with the mode of ignorance.”
What the purport teaches
- Mārkaṇḍeya repeatedly offered obeisances to Lord Śiva. He addressed him as an all-auspicious transcendental personality.
- As the lord of goodness, Lord Śiva gives pleasure. In contact with the mode of passion, he appears most fearful.
- Lord Śiva also associates with the mode of ignorance. Mārkaṇḍeya offered respect while acknowledging these different associations.
Try this today
Read this prayer once slowly, noticing each description rather than focusing only on the fearful aspect.
Ask yourself
How does this prayer hold together Lord Śiva’s auspicious nature and his fearful appearance?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.