Srimad Bhagavatam. Canto 12: The Age of Deterioration

Chapter 9: Markandeya Rishi Sees the Illusory Potency of the Lord. Text 3

vayaá¹ te parituṣṭÄḥ sma
tvad-bá¹›had-vrata-caryayÄ
varaṠpratīccha bhadraṠte
vara-do 'smi tvad-Ä«psitam

 vayam - We; te - with you; parituṣṭÄḥ - perfectly satisfied; sma - have become; tvat - your; bá¹›hat-vrata - of the vow of lifelong celibacy; caryayÄ - by performance; varam - a benediction; pratÄ«ccha - please choose; bhadram - all good; te - unto you; vara-daḥ - the giver of benedictions; asmi - I am; tvat-Ä«psitam - desired by you.


Text

We are perfectly satisfied with your practice of lifelong celibacy. Please choose whatever benediction you desire, since I can grant your wish. May you enjoy all good fortune.

Purport

ÅšrÄ«la ViÅ›vanÄtha CakravartÄ« ṬhÄkura explains that the Lord used the plural form in the beginning of this verse — “We are satisfied†— because He was referring to Himself along with Åšiva and UmÄ, who will later be glorified by MÄrkaṇá¸eya. The Lord then used the singular — “I am the bestower of benedictions†— because ultimately only Lord NÄrÄyaṇa (Kṛṣṇa) can award the highest perfection of life, eternal Kṛṣṇa consciousness.