पूजामाहात्म्यम् Pūjā Māhātmyam

The Supreme Lord said:

For the worship of Me, whose form is unmanifest and beyond the grasp of the mind, one should install an image with love.

śrībhagavānuvāca

avyaktarūpasya mama manasā'gocarasya ca

ārādhanāya pratimāṃ sthāpayet premapūrvakam

अव्यक्तरूपस्य · avyaktarūpasya — of the unmanifest form

मम · mama — of Me

मनसा · manasā — by the mind

अगोचरस्य · agocarasya — of the beyond-reach

च · ca — and

आराधनाय · ārādhanāya — for the sake of worship

प्रतिमां · pratimāṃ — an image

स्थापयेत् · sthāpayet — one should install

प्रेमपूर्वकम् · premapūrvakam — with love

अव्यक्तरूपस्य मनसा अगोचरस्य च मम आराधनाय प्रेमपूर्वकं प्रतिमां स्थापयेत्।

of the unmanifest form · of Me · by the mind · of the beyond-reach · and · for the sake of worship · an image · one should install · with love

This verse establishes the foundational necessity of the Arcā-avatāra, explaining that because the Lord is beyond mental and sensory perception, He graciously assumes a tangible form for the devotee's worship.

Made of stone, wood, metal, clay, painted, or made of sand, mental, or made of gems—the image is traditionally known to be of eight kinds.

śailī dārumayī lauhī lepyā lekhyā ca saikatī |

manomayī maṇimayī pratimā'ṣṭavidhā smṛtā

शैली · śailī — stone

दारुमयी · dārumayī — wooden

लौही · lauhī — metallic

लेप्या · lepyā — clay/plaster

लेख्या · lekhyā — painted

सैकती · saikatī — sandy

मनोमयी · manomayī — mental

मणिमयी · maṇimayī — gem-made

प्रतिमा · pratimā — image

अष्टविधा · aṣṭavidhā — eight-fold

स्मृता · smṛtā — is remembered/known

शैली दारुमयी लौही लेप्या लेख्या सैकती मनोमयी मणिमयी इति अष्टविधा प्रतिमा स्मृता।

stone · wooden · metallic · clay/plaster · painted · sandy · mental · gem-made · image · eight-fold · is remembered/known

This verse categorizes the eight traditional materials for image-making, validating the diverse ways devotees can manifest the Lord's presence in their lives.

One should completely abandon the notion that the consecrated image (arcā) is a mere statue. One should worship it, contemplating it as My very own conscious form.

arcāyāṃ pratimābuddhiṃ sarvathā parivarjayet |

mamaiva cinmayīṃ mūrtiṃ bhāvayannabhipūjayet

अर्चायां · arcāyāṃ — in the consecrated image

प्रतिमाबुद्धिं · pratimābuddhiṃ — the notion of it being a mere statue

सर्वथा · sarvathā — entirely

परिवर्जयेत् · parivarjayet — one should abandon

मम · mama — My

एव · eva — indeed

चिन्मयीं · cinmayīṃ — conscious/divine

मूर्तिं · mūrtiṃ — form

भावयन् · bhāvayan — contemplating

अभिपूजयेत् · abhipūjayet — one should worship

अर्चायां प्रतिमाबुद्धिं सर्वथा परिवर्जयेत्। ममैव चिन्मयीं मूर्तिं भावयन् अभिपूजयेत्।

in the consecrated image · the notion of it being a mere statue · entirely · one should abandon · My · indeed · conscious/divine · form · contemplating · one should worship

This verse instructs the devotee to transcend the material perception of the idol, shifting the focus from the medium to the conscious divinity inherent within it.

In whatever way they contemplate Me, I am indeed just so for them. Whatever one's faith is, such is the success one attains.

yathā bhāvayante māṃ teṣāmasmi tathaiva hi |

yādṛśī yādṛśī śraddhā siddhirbhavati tādṛśī

यथा · yathā — in whatever way

भावयन्ते · bhāvayante — they contemplate

मां · māṃ — Me

तेषाम् · teṣām — for them

अस्मि · asmi — I am

तथैव · tathaiva — just so

हि · hi — indeed

यादृशी · yādṛśī — whatever

श्रद्धा · śraddhā — faith

सिद्धिः · siddhiḥ — success

भवति · bhavati — becomes

तादृशी · tādṛśī — such

यथा मां भावयन्ते, तेषां तथैव अस्मि। यादृशी यादृशी श्रद्धा, तादृशी सिद्धिः भवति।

in whatever way · they contemplate · Me · for them · I am · just so · indeed · whatever · faith · success · becomes · such

This verse explains the reciprocal nature of the Lord's manifestation, highlighting that the intensity and quality of the devotee's faith directly dictate the Lord's responsiveness.

I always maintain My presence even in the image out of love, for the sake of blessing the devotees. One should worship Me according to the prescribed rules.

sadā karomi sānnidhyaṃ pratimāyāmapi prītyā |

anugrahārthaṃ bhaktānāṃ pūjayenmāṃ yathāvidhi

सदा · sadā — always

करोमि · karomi — I make

सान्निध्यं · sānnidhyaṃ — presence

प्रतिमायाम् · pratimāyām — in the image

अपि · api — even

प्रीत्या · prītyā — out of love

अनुग्रहार्थं · anugrahārthaṃ — for the sake of grace

भक्तानाम् · bhaktānām — of devotees

पूजयेत् · pūjayet — one should worship

मां · māṃ — Me

यथाविधि · yathāvidhi — according to rules

भक्तानाम् अनुग्रहार्थं प्रीत्या प्रतिमायाम् अपि सदा सान्निध्यं करोमि। मां यथाविधि पूजयेत्।

always · I make · presence · in the image · even · out of love · for the sake of grace · of devotees · one should worship · Me · according to rules

This verse emphasizes the Lord's voluntary presence in the image as an act of grace, necessitating that worship be conducted according to scriptural injunctions.

O Four-faced one (Brahma), if My image is destroyed, stolen, or broken, one should install another new image of Me.

pratimāyāṃ vinaṣṭāyāṃ hṛtāyāṃ vā caturmukha |

bhinnāyāṃ nūtanāmanyāṃ pratimāṃ sthāpayenmama

प्रतिमायाम् · pratimāyām — in the image

विनष्टायाम् · vinaṣṭāyām — if destroyed

हृतायां · hṛtāyāṃ — if stolen

वा · vā — or

चतुर्मुख · caturmukha — O Four-faced one

भिन्नायां · bhinnāyāṃ — if broken

नूतनाम् · nūtanām — a new one

अन्यां · anyāṃ — another

प्रतिमां · pratimāṃ — image

स्थापयेत् · sthāpayet — one should install

मम · mama — My

चतुर्मुख, प्रतिमायां विनष्टायां, हृतायां वा, भिन्नायां वा मम अन्यां नूतनां प्रतिमां स्थापयेत्।

in the image · if destroyed · if stolen · or · O Four-faced one · if broken · a new one · another · image · one should install · My

This verse provides practical guidance for maintaining the continuity of worship, clarifying that the physical image is a vessel that can be replaced without affecting the Lord's presence.

O Four-faced one, just as a letter is not destroyed when its script is destroyed, so too, I am not destroyed by the destruction of the image.

akṣarasya na nāśaḥ syāllipināśāccaturmukha |

evaṃ hi pratimānāśānmama nāśo na vidyate

अक्षरस्य · akṣarasya — of the letter

न · na — not

नाशः · nāśaḥ — destruction

स्यात् · syāt — is

लिपिनाशात् · lipināśāt — from the destruction of script

चतुर्मुख · caturmukha — O Four-faced one

एवम् · evam — thus

हि · hi — indeed

प्रतिमानाशात् · pratimānāśāt — from the destruction of the image

मम · mama — My

नाशः · nāśaḥ — destruction

न · na — not

विद्यते · vidyate — exists

चतुर्मुख, लिपिनाशात् अक्षरस्य नाशः न स्यात्। एवं हि प्रतिमानाशात् मम नाशः न विद्यते।

of the letter · not · destruction · is · from the destruction of script · O Four-faced one · thus · indeed · from the destruction of the image · My · destruction · not · exists

Using the analogy of a letter and its script, the Lord clarifies that His essence is immutable and distinct from the physical medium of the image.

By whatever material an image is made by humans on earth, that material is not perceived; only the image itself is perceived.

yena dravyena yadvimbaṃ kriyate bhuvi mānuṣaiḥ |

na gṛhyate hi taddravyaṃ bimbameva hi gṛhyate

येन · yena — by which

द्रव्येन · dravyena — material

यद्विम्बं · yadvimbaṃ — which image

क्रियते · kriyate — is made

भुवि · bhuvi — on earth

मानुषैः · mānuṣaiḥ — by humans

न · na — not

गृह्यते · gṛhyate — is perceived

हि · hi — indeed

तद्द्रव्यं · taddravyaṃ — that material

बिम्बमेव · bimbameva — the image itself

गृह्यते · gṛhyate — is perceived

भुवि मानुषैः येन द्रव्येन यत् बिम्बं क्रियते, तत् द्रव्यं न गृह्यते, हि बिम्बम् एव गृह्यते।

by which · material · which image · is made · on earth · by humans · not · is perceived · indeed · that material · the image itself · is perceived

This verse explains that the devotee's perception is directed toward the divine essence rather than the material composition of the image, mirroring how we perceive objects in daily life.

A form conceived in flesh is not worshipped by men as flesh. It is worshipped only as a form, with the thought, "This is my mother, my father."

māṃsena kalpitaṃ rūpaṃ na māṃsaṃ pūjyate naraiḥ |

mama mātā pitetyevaṃ rūpameva hi pūjyate

मांसेन · māṃsena — by flesh

कल्पितं · kalpitaṃ — conceived/formed

रूपं · rūpaṃ — form

न · na — not

मांसं · māṃsaṃ — flesh

पूज्यते · pūjyate — is worshipped

नरैः · naraiḥ — by men

मम · mama — my

माता · mātā — mother

पितेत्येवम् · pitetyevam — thus as father

रूपमेव · rūpameva — the form itself

पूज्यते · pūjyate — is worshipped

मांसेन कल्पितं रूपं नरैः मांसं न पूज्यते। मम माता पिता इति एवं रूपम् एव पूज्यते।

by flesh · conceived/formed · form · not · flesh · is worshipped · by men · my · mother · thus as father · the form itself · is worshipped

The Lord uses the example of human relationships to illustrate that we look past the physical body to the person, just as we should look past the material of the idol to the Divine.

Seeing an idol fashioned from stone, all men perceive therein My true form with devotion.

śilābhiḥ kalpitāṃ mūrtiṃ vīkṣya sarvaiśca mānavaiḥ |

tatra satyaṃ matsvarūpaṃ gṛhyate bhaktipūrvakam

शिलाभिः · śilābhiḥ — by stones

कल्पितां · kalpitāṃ — fashioned

मूर्तिं · mūrtiṃ — idol

वीक्ष्य · vīkṣya — having seen

सर्वैः · sarvaiḥ — by all

मानवैः · mānavaiḥ — humans

तत्र · tatra — therein

सत्यं · satyaṃ — true

मत्स्वरूपं · matsvarūpaṃ — My own form

गृह्यते · gṛhyate — is perceived

भक्तिपूर्वकम् · bhaktipūrvakam — with devotion

शिलाभिः कल्पितां मूर्तिं वीक्ष्य सर्वैः मानवैः तत्र सत्यं मत्स्वरूपं भक्तिपूर्वकं गृह्यते।

by stones · fashioned · idol · having seen · by all · humans · therein · true · My own form · is perceived · with devotion

This verse concludes the argument by affirming that when devotees approach a stone image with devotion, they successfully perceive the Lord's true, divine form.

Whatever sentiment is held towards it by men on earth, relying on My consecrated image, a corresponding success is achieved.

yādṛśī bhāvanā tatra kriyate bhuvi mānavaiḥ |

avalambya mamāpyarcāṃ siddhirbhavati tādṛśī

यादृशी · yādṛśī — whatever kind of

भावना · bhāvanā — sentiment or contemplation

तत्र · tatra — therein/in that

क्रियते · kriyate — is performed

भुवि · bhuvi — on earth

मानवैः · mānavaiḥ — by humans

अवलम्ब्य · avalambya — relying upon

मम · mama — My

अपि · api — also/even

अर्चाम् · arcām — consecrated image

सिद्धिः · siddhiḥ — success/attainment

भवति · bhavati — becomes

तादृशी · tādṛśī — of that same kind

भुवि मानवैः तत्र अर्चाम् अवलम्ब्य यादृशी भावना क्रियते, तादृशी सिद्धिः भवति।

whatever kind of · sentiment or contemplation · therein/in that · is performed · on earth · by humans · relying upon · My · also/even · consecrated image · success/attainment · becomes · of that same kind

This verse concludes the argument that the Lord's presence in the image is a reflection of the devotee's internal state. It establishes that the efficacy of worship is directly proportional to the intensity and nature of the devotee's faith.

Just as fear arises in the heart upon seeing a great king, so too, upon seeing Me, the Lord of all, one should always worship with reverence.

mahārājaṃ yathā dṛṣṭvā hṛdaye jāyate bhayam|

evaṃ māṃ vīkṣya sarveśaṃ bhayenārādhayet sadā

महाराजम् · mahārājam — a great king

यथा · yathā — just as

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

हृदये · hṛdaye — in the heart

जायते · jāyate — arises

भयम् · bhayam — fear/awe

एवम् · evam — thus

माम् · mām — Me

वीक्ष्य · vīkṣya — having beheld

सर्वेशम् · sarveśam — the Lord of all

भयेन · bhayena — with reverence/fear

आराधयेत् · ārādhayet — one should worship

सदा · sadā — always

यथा महाराजं दृष्ट्वा हृदये भयं जायते, एवं सर्वेशं मां वीक्ष्य सदा भयेन आराधयेत्।

a great king · just as · having seen · in the heart · arises · fear/awe · thus · Me · having beheld · the Lord of all · with reverence/fear · one should worship · always

The Lord instructs that while He is accessible, He must not be approached with casualness. This verse emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a balance between intimacy and reverential awe in worship.

I have no hunger or thirst, nor am I bound to anyone. To bestow grace upon My devotees, I accept their worship with respect.

na me kṣudvā pipāsā vā nāhaṃ baddho'smi kasyacit |

anugrahāya bhaktānāṃ pūjāṃ gṛhṇāmi sādaram

न · na — not

मे · me — to Me

क्षुत् · kṣut — hunger

वा · vā — or

पिपासा · pipāsā — thirst

न · na — nor

अहम् · aham — I

बद्धः · baddhaḥ — bound

अस्मि · asmi — am

कस्यचित् · kasyacit — to anyone

अनुग्रहाय · anugrahāya — for the sake of grace

भक्तानाम् · bhaktānām — of devotees

पूजां · pūjāṃ — worship

गृह्णामि · gṛhṇāmi — I accept

सादरम् · sādaram — with respect

मे क्षुत् वा पिपासा न, अहं कस्यचित् बद्धः न अस्मि। भक्तानाम् अनुग्रहाय पूजां सादरं गृह्णामि।

not · to Me · hunger · or · thirst · nor · I · bound · am · to anyone · for the sake of grace · of devotees · worship · I accept · with respect

This verse clarifies the Lord's ontological status—He is beyond material needs—and highlights that the act of worship is a divine concession made solely for the benefit of the devotee.

The scriptures have been spoken by Me for the successful accomplishment of My worship. Therefore, one should worship Me according to the path prescribed in the scriptures, following the proper rules.

mayā proktaṃ hi tacchāstraṃ madārādhanasiddhaye |

tasmācchāstroktamārgeṇa pūjayenmāṃ yathāvidhi

मया · mayā — by Me

प्रोक्तम् · proktam — spoken

हि · hi — indeed

तत् · tat — that

शास्त्रम् · śāstram — scripture

मदाराधनसिद्धये · madārādhanasiddhaye — for the success of My worship

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

शास्त्रोक्तमार्गेण · śāstroktamārgeṇa — by the path prescribed in scripture

पूजयेत् · pūjayet — one should worship

माम् · mām — Me

यथाविधि · yathāvidhi — according to rules

मदाराधनसिद्धये मया तत् शास्त्रं प्रोक्तं हि। तस्मात् शास्त्रोक्तमार्गेण यथाविधि मां पूजयेत्।

by Me · spoken · indeed · that · scripture · for the success of My worship · therefore · by the path prescribed in scripture · one should worship · Me · according to rules

The Lord establishes the scripture as the authoritative guide for worship, ensuring that the devotee's efforts are aligned with divine intent rather than personal whim.

Therefore, let the scripture be your authority in determining what ought to be done and what ought not to be done. Knowing what is enjoined by the rules of scripture, you should perform action in this world.

tasmācchāstraṃ pramāṇaṃ te kāryākāryavyavasthitau |

jñātvā śāstravidhānoktaṃ karma kartumihārhasi

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

शास्त्रम् · śāstram — scripture

प्रमाणम् · pramāṇam — authority

ते · te — your

कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ · kāryākāryavyavasthitau — in determining duty and non-duty

ज्ञात्वा · jñātvā — having known

शास्त्रविधानोक्तम् · śāstravidhānoktam — what is enjoined by scripture

कर्म · karma — action

कर्तुम् · kartum — to perform

इह · iha — in this world

अर्हसि · arhasi — you ought to

तस्मात् कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ शास्त्रं ते प्रमाणम्। शास्त्रविधानोक्तं ज्ञात्वा इह कर्म कर्तुम् अर्हसि।

therefore · scripture · authority · your · in determining duty and non-duty · having known · what is enjoined by scripture · action · to perform · in this world · you ought to

This verse serves as a directive for the devotee to use scripture as the ultimate arbiter of action, emphasizing the importance of discernment in religious life.

Those people who perform severe austerities not prescribed by the scriptures do not attain perfection, nor happiness, nor the supreme goal.

aśāstravihitaṃ ghoraṃ tapyante ye tapo janāḥ |

na sa siddhimavāpnoti na sukhaṃ na parāṃ gatim

अशास्त्रविहितम् · aśāstravihitam — not prescribed by scripture

घोरम् · ghoram — terrible/severe

तप्यन्ते · tapyante — perform

ये · ye — those who

तपः · tapaḥ — austerity

जनाः · janāḥ — people

न · na — not

सः · saḥ — he/they

सिद्धिम् · siddhim — perfection

अवाप्नोति · avāpnoti — attains

न · na — nor

सुखम् · sukham — happiness

न · na — nor

परां · parāṃ — supreme

गतिम् · gatim — goal

ये जनाः अशास्त्रविहितं घोरं तपः तप्यन्ते, सः सिद्धिं न अवाप्नोति, सुखं न, परां गतिं न।

not prescribed by scripture · terrible/severe · perform · those who · austerity · people · not · he/they · perfection · attains · nor · happiness · nor · supreme · goal

This verse warns against the dangers of self-willed austerities, reinforcing that spiritual progress is contingent upon adherence to the divine framework provided in the scriptures.

In the past, devotees like Śabarī, Vidura, and others performed My worship with loving devotion alone. I came under their control.

premabhaktyaiva me pūjāṃ śabarīvidurādayaḥ |

cakrurbhaktāḥ purā teṣāmahamāsaṃ vaśaṃ gataḥ

प्रेमभक्त्या · premabhaktyā — by loving devotion

एव · eva — only

मे · me — My

पूजां · pūjāṃ — worship

शबरीविदुरादयः · śabarīvidurādayaḥ — Śabarī, Vidura, and others

चक्रुः · cakruḥ — performed

भक्ताः · bhaktāḥ — devotees

पुरा · purā — in the past

तेषाम् · teṣām — of them

अहम् · aham — I

आसम् · āsam — became

वशम् · vaśam — under control

गतः · gataḥ — attained

पुरा शबरीविदुरादयः भक्ताः प्रेमभक्त्या एव मे पूजां चक्रुः। तेषां अहं वशं गतः आसम्।

by loving devotion · only · My · worship · Śabarī, Vidura, and others · performed · devotees · in the past · of them · I · became · under control · attained

By citing historical examples like Śabarī and Vidura, the Lord acknowledges the power of pure love, while setting the stage for the necessity of scriptural discipline for those who lack such spontaneous devotion.

Such loving devotion is very rare in this world. Therefore, one should follow the code of conduct prescribed by the scriptures with faith.

tādṛśī premabhaktistu loke'smin bahudurlabhā |

tasmācchāstroktamaryādāṃ śraddhayā paripālayet

तादृशी · tādṛśī — such

प्रेमभक्तिः · premabhaktiḥ — loving devotion

तु · tu — however

लोके · loke — in the world

अस्मिन् · asmin — in this

बहुदुर्लभा · bahudurlabhā — very rare

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

शास्त्रोक्तमर्यादाम् · śāstroktamaryādām — code of conduct prescribed in scripture

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

परिपालयेत् · paripālayet — one should follow

अस्मिन् लोके तादृशी प्रेमभक्तिः तु बहुदुर्लभा। तस्मात् शास्त्रोक्तमर्यादां श्रद्धया परिपालयेत्।

such · loving devotion · however · in the world · in this · very rare · therefore · code of conduct prescribed in scripture · with faith · one should follow

This verse serves as a pragmatic instruction: since pure, spontaneous love is rare, the average practitioner must rely on the structure of scriptural rules to maintain their spiritual path.

I do not accept worship performed without faith and devotion, done with ostentation by hypocritical priests and people.

vinaiva śraddhayā bhaktyā vihitāṃ daṃbhapūrvakam |

naiva gṛhṇāmyahaṃ pūjāṃ ḍāmbhikairarcakairjanaiḥ

विना · vinā — without

एव · eva — indeed

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — faith

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — devotion

विहिताम् · vihitām — performed

दंभपूर्वकम् · daṃbhapūrvakam — with hypocrisy

न · na — not

एव · eva — at all

गृह्णामि · gṛhṇāmi — I accept

अहम् · aham — I

पूजां · pūjāṃ — worship

डाम्भिकैः · ḍāmbhikair — by hypocritical

अर्चकैः · arcakair — priests

जनैः · janaiḥ — people

श्रद्धया भक्त्या विना दंभपूर्वकं विहितां पूजां डाम्भिकैः अर्चकैः जनैः अहं नैव गृह्णामि।

without · indeed · faith · devotion · performed · with hypocrisy · not · at all · I accept · I · worship · by hypocritical · priests · people

The Lord explicitly rejects performative worship, highlighting that the internal state of the devotee is the primary factor in the acceptance of their offerings.

People who are temple priests (devala), who are of improper and evil conduct, and are sinners, perform My worship to secure their livelihood.

anācārā durācārāḥ pāpino devalā janāḥ |

jīvanopāyasiddhyarthaṃ kurvanti mama pūjanam

अनाचाराः · anācārāḥ — of improper conduct

दुराचाराः · durācārāḥ — of evil conduct

पापिनः · pāpino — sinners

देवलाः · devalāḥ — temple priests

जनाः · janāḥ — people

जीवनोपायसिद्ध्यर्थम् · jīvanopāyasiddhyartham — for the sake of livelihood

कुर्वन्ति · kurvanti — they perform

मम · mama — My

पूजनम् · pūjanam — worship

अनाचाराः दुराचाराः पापिनः देवलाः जनाः जीवनोपायसिद्ध्यर्थं मम पूजनं कुर्वन्ति।

of improper conduct · of evil conduct · sinners · temple priests · people · for the sake of livelihood · they perform · My · worship

This verse addresses the reality of temple priests who lack spiritual depth, acknowledging their role while condemning their lack of sincerity, thus contextualizing the Lord's tolerance for the sake of the institution.

They have neither faith nor devotion in Me, O Lotus-born (Brahma). It is by Me alone that the livelihood of these temple priests has been ordained in My worship.

teṣāṃ na mayi śraddhā vā bhaktirvā padmasaṃbhava |

mayaiva vṛttirvihitā devalānāṃ mamārcane

तेषाम् · teṣāṃ — of them

न · na — not

मयि · mayi — in Me

श्रद्धा · śraddhā — faith

वा · vā — or

भक्तिः · bhaktiḥ — devotion

पद्मसंभव · padmasaṃbhava — O Lotus-born (Brahma)

मयैव · mayaiva — by Me alone

वृत्तिः · vṛttiḥ — livelihood

विहिता · vihitā — ordained

देवलानाम् · devalānāṃ — of temple priests

ममार्चने · mamārcane — in My worship

पद्मसंभव, तेषां मयि श्रद्धा वा भक्तिः न अस्ति । देवलानां वृत्तिः मया एव ममार्चने विहिता ।

of them · not · in Me · faith · or · devotion · O Lotus-born (Brahma) · by Me alone · livelihood · ordained · of temple priests · in My worship

The Lord addresses the paradox of temple priests who lack inner devotion yet are sustained by Him, establishing that their role is divinely ordained despite their personal failings.

I tolerate the offenses of those evil-minded priests. Therefore, in all temples, one should have the worship performed only by them.

aparādhaṃ sahe teṣāmarcakānāṃ durātmanām |

ālayeṣu ca sarveṣu tasmāttaireva pūjayet

अपराधम् · aparādhaṃ — offense

सहे · sahe — I tolerate

तेषाम् · teṣāṃ — of them

अर्चकानाम् · arcakānāṃ — of the priests

दुरात्मनाम् · durātmanām — of the evil-minded

आलयेषु · ālayeṣu — in temples

सर्वेषु · sarveṣu — in all

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

तैरेव · taireva — by them only

पूजयेत् · pūjayet — one should worship

अहं तेषां दुरात्मनाम् अर्चकानाम् अपराधं सहे । तस्मात् सर्वेषु आलयेषु तैः एव पूजयेत् ।

offense · I tolerate · of them · of the priests · of the evil-minded · in temples · in all · therefore · by them only · one should worship

The Lord explains His tolerance for the shortcomings of priests, emphasizing that the sanctity of the temple worship must be maintained through the established order.

O Lotus-born, I make My presence felt in the image only by the power of mantra and by the power of devotion, and not otherwise.

ahaṃ mantrabalenaiva tathā bhaktibalena ca |

bimbe karomi sānnidhyaṃ nānyathā padmasaṃbhava

अहम् · ahaṃ — I

मन्त्रबलेन · mantrabalena — by the power of mantra

एव · eva — only

तथा · tathā — and

भक्तिबलेन · bhaktibalena — by the power of devotion

च · ca — and

बिम्बे · bimbe — in the image

करोमि · karomi — I make

सान्निध्यम् · sānnidhyaṃ — presence

नान्यथा · nānyathā — not otherwise

पद्मसंभव · padmasaṃbhava — O Lotus-born

पद्मसंभव, अहं मन्त्रबलेन तथा भक्तिबलेन एव बिम्बे सान्निध्यं करोमि, न अन्यथा ।

I · by the power of mantra · only · and · by the power of devotion · and · in the image · I make · presence · not otherwise · O Lotus-born

This verse clarifies the mechanism of divine presence, asserting that the Lord manifests in the image exclusively through the power of sacred sound and devotion.

He who, abandoning mantra and devotion, wishes to bring Me under his control—I, the Lord, am never under the control of that fool.

mantraṃ bhaktiśca yastyaktvā māṃ vaśīkartumicchati |

tasya mūḍhasya devohaṃ na kadāpi vaśe'smyaham

मन्त्रम् · mantraṃ — mantra

भक्तिश्च · bhaktiśca — and devotion

यः · yaḥ — he who

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

माम् · mām — Me

वशीकर्तुम् · vaśīkartum — to bring under control

इच्छति · icchati — wishes

तस्य · tasya — of that

मूढस्य · mūḍhasya — of the fool

देवः · devaḥ — God

अहम् · aham — I

न कदापि · na kadāpi — never

वशे · vaśe — under control

अस्मि · asmi — am

यः मन्त्रं भक्तिं च त्यक्त्वा मां वशीकर्तुम् इच्छति, तस्य मूढस्य वशे अहं देवः कदापि न अस्मि ।

mantra · and devotion · he who · having abandoned · Me · to bring under control · wishes · of that · of the fool · God · I · never · under control · am

The Lord warns that any attempt to control Him through external ritual without the internal foundation of mantra and devotion is futile and foolish.

To the deceitful priests, I am indeed a deceiver. And to those endowed with sincerity, I am also sincere.

vañcakānāmarcakānāmahamasmi hi vañcakaḥ |

ārjavenaiva yuktānāmahamasmyārjavena ca

वञ्चकानाम् · vañcakānām — of the deceitful

अर्चकानाम् · arcakānām — of the priests

अहम् · aham — I

अस्मि · asmi — am

हि · hi — indeed

वञ्चकः · vañcakaḥ — a deceiver

आर्जवेन · ārjavena — with sincerity

एव · eva — only

युक्तानाम् · yuktānām — of those endowed

अहम् · aham — I

अस्मि · asmi — am

आर्जवेन · ārjavena — sincere

च · ca — also

अहं वञ्चकानाम् अर्चकानां हि वञ्चकः अस्मि । आर्जवेन युक्तानां च अहं आर्जवेन एव अस्मि ।

of the deceitful · of the priests · I · am · indeed · a deceiver · with sincerity · only · of those endowed · I · am · sincere · also

The Lord describes His reciprocal nature, mirroring the attitude of the devotee, whether they approach Him with deceit or with sincerity.

Free from anxiety and full of reliance, one should always worship Me alone. I take care of the welfare and security of the priests and devotees.

niścinto nirbharo nityaṃ māmeva nanu pūjayet |

arcakānāṃ ca bhaktānāṃ yogakṣemaṃ vahāmyaham

निश्चिन्तः · niścinto — free from anxiety

निर्भरः · nirbharo — full of reliance

नित्यम् · nityaṃ — always

माम् · mām — Me

एव · eva — only

ननु · nanu — indeed

पूजयेत् · pūjayet — one should worship

अर्चकानाम् · arcakānāṃ — of priests

च · ca — and

भक्तानाम् · bhaktānāṃ — of devotees

योगक्षेमम् · yogakṣemaṃ — welfare and security

वहामि · vahāmi — I carry/take care of

अहम् · aham — I

निश्चिन्तः निर्भरः नित्यं मां एव ननु पूजयेत् । अहं अर्चकानां भक्तानां च योगक्षेमं वहामि ।

free from anxiety · full of reliance · always · Me · only · indeed · one should worship · of priests · and · of devotees · welfare and security · I carry/take care of · I

The Lord encourages total surrender, promising to personally oversee the welfare of those who worship Him with a mind free from anxiety.

He who, casting aside faith in Me, worships only with hypocrisy—seeing that crooked, dull-witted person, I laugh.

visṛjya mayi viśvāsaṃ yo ḍambhenaiva pūjayet |

anārjavaṃ mandamatiṃ taṃ dṛṣṭvā prahasāmyaham

विसृज्य · visṛjya — having cast aside

मयि · mayi — in Me

विश्वासम् · viśvāsaṃ — faith

यः · yaḥ — he who

डम्भेन · ḍambhena — with hypocrisy

एव · eva — only

पूजयेत् · pūjayet — worships

अनार्जवम् · anārjavaṃ — crooked

मन्दमतिम् · mandamatim — dull-witted

तम् · taṃ — him

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

प्रहसामि · prahasāmi — I laugh

अहम् · aham — I

यः मयि विश्वासं विसृज्य डम्भेन एव पूजयेत्, तं अनार्जवं मन्दमतिं दृष्ट्वा अहं प्रहसामि ।

having cast aside · in Me · faith · he who · with hypocrisy · only · worships · crooked · dull-witted · him · having seen · I laugh · I

This verse highlights the Lord's reaction to hypocrisy, contrasting the lack of faith with the divine perception of the inner state of the worshipper.

O Four-faced one (Brahma), I accept My worship even if it is deficient in mantras, rituals, and devotion, provided it is accompanied by sincerity.

mantrahīnaṃ kriyāhīnaṃ bhaktihīnaṃ mamārcanam|

ārjavenaiva saṃyuktaṃ gṛhṇāmi caturānana

मन्त्रहीनम् · mantrahīnaṃ — deficient in mantra

क्रियाहीनम् · kriyāhīnaṃ — deficient in ritual

भक्तिहीनम् · bhaktihīnaṃ — deficient in devotion

ममार्चनम् · mamārcanam — My worship

आर्जवेन · ārjavena — with sincerity

एव · eva — only

संयुक्तम् · saṃyuktam — endowed

गृह्णामि · gṛhṇāmi — I accept

चतुरानन · caturānana — O Four-faced one

चतुरानन, मन्त्रहीनं क्रियाहीनं भक्तिहीनं अपि ममार्चनं आर्जवेन एव संयुक्तं चेत्, तत् अहं गृह्णामि ।

deficient in mantra · deficient in ritual · deficient in devotion · My worship · with sincerity · only · endowed · I accept · O Four-faced one

The Lord defines the ultimate criterion for acceptable worship: sincerity outweighs formal perfection in ritual, mantra, or devotion.

That which is given with insincerity and disrespect, even a dog in this world does not eat; what then to speak of God, the great Lord?

anārjavena yaddattamanādaraṇapūrvakam |

nātti śvāpi loke'smin kimu devo maheśvaraḥ

अनार्जवेन · anārjavena — with insincerity

यत् · yat — that which

दत्तम् · dattam — given

अनादरणपूर्वकम् · anādaraṇapūrvakam — with disrespect

न · na — not

अत्ति · atti — eats

श्वा · śvā — a dog

अपि · api — even

लोके · loke — in the world

अस्मिन् · asmin — in this

किमु · kimu — what then to speak of

देवः · devaḥ — God

महेश्वरः · maheśvaraḥ — the great Lord

अनार्जवेन अनादरणपूर्वकं यत् दत्तं, तत् अस्मिन् लोके श्वा अपि न अत्ति, किमु देवः महेश्वरः ?

with insincerity · that which · given · with disrespect · not · eats · a dog · even · in the world · in this · what then to speak of · God · the great Lord

The Lord uses a stark comparison to emphasize that offerings made without sincerity and respect are utterly rejected, even by the standards of the world.

For the great-souled, there is one thing in speech, one in mind, and one in action. For the wicked, there is one thing in speech, another in mind, and another in action.

vacasyekaṃ manasyekaṃ karmaṇyekaṃ mahātmanām|

vacasyanyanmanasyanyat karmaṇyanyaddurātmanām

वचसि · vacasi — in speech

एकम् · ekaṃ — one

मनसि · manasi — in mind

एकम् · ekaṃ — one

कर्मणि · karmaṇi — in action

एकम् · ekaṃ — one

महात्मनाम् · mahātmanām — of the great-souled

वचसि · vacasi — in speech

अन्यत् · anyat — another

मनसि · manasi — in mind

अन्यत् · anyat — another

कर्मणि · karmaṇi — in action

अन्यत् · anyat — another

दुरात्मनाम् · durātmanām — of the wicked

महात्मनां वचसि एकं, मनसि एकं, कर्मणि एकं भवति । दुरात्मनां वचसि अन्यत्, मनसि अन्यत्, कर्मणि अन्यत् भवति ।

in speech · one · in mind · one · in action · one · of the great-souled · in speech · another · in mind · another · in action · another · of the wicked

This verse establishes the moral standard of integrity, distinguishing the great-souled from the wicked based on the alignment of thought, word, and deed.

I indeed make My presence felt by the power of the benedictions (maṅgalāśāsana) of the great sages, the knowers of mantras, My devotees, and the ascetics.

maharṣīṇāṃ mantravidāṃ madbhaktānāṃ tapasvinām |

maṅgalāśāsanabalāt sānnidhyaṃ hi karomyaham

महर्षीणाम् · maharṣīṇām — of the great sages

मन्त्रविदाम् · mantravidām — of those who know the mantras

मद्भक्तानाम् · madbhaktānām — of My devotees

तपस्विनाम् · tapasvinām — of the ascetics

मङ्गलाशासनबलात् · maṅgalāśāsanabalāt — by the power of the benedictions

सान्निध्यम् · sānnidhyam — presence

हि · hi — indeed

करोमि · karomi — I make

अहम् · aham — I

अहं महर्षीणां मन्त्रविदां मद्भक्तानां तपस्विनां मङ्गलाशासनबलात् सान्निध्यं हि करोमि।

of the great sages · of those who know the mantras · of My devotees · of the ascetics · by the power of the benedictions · presence · indeed · I make · I

This concluding verse emphasizes that the Lord's presence in the consecrated image is sustained and empowered by the collective spiritual authority and blessings of realized souls. It serves as a final reassurance that the sanctity of the temple is upheld by the devotion of the righteous.