Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 4 Chapter 6:34-45

Book 4: Chapter 6

Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 4: Chapter 6: Verses 34-45 Brahma and the other gods proceed to Kailasa and appease Lord Siva Possessed of a most tranquil personality, He was being waited upon by highly realized and peaceful souls, Sanandan and otheres, as well as by His friend, Kubera (the lord of the Yaksas and the Raksasas). That supreme Lord, who is the disinterested friend of the shole universe, remails engaged in the practive of worship,concentration of mind and deep meditaion (in order to set a noble example to others) and does penance which is conducive to the welfare of the world out of affection (for all). On His body possessing the (reddish) hue of an everning cloud He wears the marks so dear to ascetics, viz., a coat of ashes, a staff, matted locks and deersin, and the crescent moon (on his forehead). Seated on a mattress of Kusa grass, He was expounding the truth relating to eternal Brahma to (the celestial sage) Narada, who was putting questions to Him, while (other) worthy personages also listened. Placing His left lotus foot on the right Crowded with hundreds of aerial cars made of silver, gold and most precious jewels, and thigh and the left arm on the left knee and with a rosary of Aksa seeds coiled round His (right) wrist, He sat with His right hand formed into what is known as the Tarkamudra (generally adopted by those teaching wisdom to their disciples). With their palms joined in prayer the sages as well as the protectors of the world bowed low to Lord Siva-the Sage ranking foremost among those given to contemplation-who sat absorbed in the joy of oneness with the Absolute and leaning on a wooden support generally used by Yogis. Seeing Brahma (the self-born) arrived (there), Lord Siva, whose feet are reverenced by the lords of immortals as well as by Asura chiefs, rose (from His seat) and greeted him by bowing His head, even as the most adorable Lord Visnu (appearing in the form of the divine Dwarf) bows to Kasyapa (His father and a lord of created beings). So also the hosts of other Siddhas as well as the great sages, who were devoted to Lord Siva and sat around Him, bowed to him. Greeted (by them all), Brahma (the self-born) smilingly addressed Lord Siva (who wears the crescent moon on His head and) who was still bowing to him. Brahma said : I know You to be the Ruler of the universe; for You are the same as the undifferentiated Brahma, the cause of both Sakti (the Divine Energy or Prakrti) and Siva (the Spirit or Purusa), who are severally the womb (source) and seed of the creation. Carrying on Your sport through Siva and Sakti, who are essentially one, O Lord, it is You who create, protect and swallow ( withdraw into Yourself) this universe, even as the spider evolves (from its mouth) the cobweb, preserves it and then takes it back into its mouth. It is You who evolved the (institution of) sacrifice through the instrumentality of Daksa for the preservation of the three Vedas (which yield both religious merit and wealth); and by You have been fixed the bounds of propriety which the Brahmanas who have adopted sacred vows duly respect. O blissful Lord, You confer (the enjoyments of) heaven or even final beatitude on him who performs benevolent deeds, and assign the frightful inferno to the perpetrator of evil deeds. But how is it that in the case of some individuals the fruit of certain acts is quite the contrary ?