Shloka 23

Adhyaya 84: शिवव्रतकथनम्

Uma–Maheshvara Vrata, Shula-dana, and Month-wise Ekabhakta Vrata

Devanagari script

समासाद्वः प्रवक्ष्यामि प्रतिमासमनुक्रमात् मार्गशीर्षकमासादिकार्त्तिकान्तं यथाक्रमम्

Transliteration

samāsādvaḥ pravakṣyāmi pratimāsamanukramāt mārgaśīrṣakamāsādikārttikāntaṃ yathākramam

Translation

على سبيل الإيجاز، سأبيّن لكم الآن—شهرًا بعد شهر وبالترتيب اللائق—العبادات والنذور (vrata) التي تبدأ بشهر مارجشيرشا (Mārgaśīrṣa) وتنتهي بشهر كارتِّيكا (Kārttika)، وفق تسلسلها الصحيح.

Word by Word

• samāsāt: in brief, in summary

• vaḥ: to you (all)

• pravakṣyāmi: I shall declare/explain

• prati-māsam: each month, month by month

• anukramāt: in sequence, according to order

• mārgaśīrṣaka-māsa-ādi: beginning with the month of Mārgaśīrṣa

• kārttika-antam: ending with (the month of) Kārttika

• yathākramam: as per the proper order, correctly

Speaker

Suta Goswami

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It introduces a structured, month-by-month framework for Shiva-oriented observances, implying disciplined Linga-puja as a sustained sādhana rather than a one-time rite.

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

By setting forth ordered vows culminating through the year, it points to Shiva as Pati—the supreme Lord who grants fruit through niyama (regulated practice), gradually loosening pāśa (bondage) for the pashu (soul).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A sequential vrata-krama (monthly regimen) connected to Shiva-puja—an outer discipline that supports inner Pāśupata-style purification through regularity, restraint, and devotion.