एक एवेश्वरस्तस्मिन् सुरकार्ये सुरेश्वरः ।
विहर्तुकामस्तानाह समुद्रोन्मथनादिभिः ॥ १७ ॥
ekah-alone; eva-indeed; isvarah-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; tasmin-in that; sura-karye-the activities of the demigods; sura-isvarah-the Lord of the demigods, the Supreme Personality of Godhead; vihartu-to enjoy pastimes; kamah-desiring; tan-unto the demigods; aha-said; samudra-unmathana-adibhih-by activities of churning the ocean.
Although the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the master of the demigods, was capable of performing the activities of the demigods by Himself, He wanted to enjoy pastimes in churning the ocean. Therefore He spoke as follows.