Shloka 41
ऋषभचरित्रवर्णनम् (Ṛṣabha-caritra-varṇanam) — “Account of Ṛṣabha’s Sacred Narrative”
प्राप्तेऽथ षोडशे वर्षे तस्य राजशिशोः पुनः । ययौ तद्वेश्म सहसा ऋषभः स मदात्मकः
prāpte'tha ṣoḍaśe varṣe tasya rājaśiśoḥ punaḥ | yayau tadveśma sahasā ṛṣabhaḥ sa madātmakaḥ
ثم لما بلغ ذلك الغلامُ الملكيُّ سنَّ السادسةَ عشرة، مضى رِشَبَه—وقد اشتعل ذهنه بالكِبْر والشهوة—فجأةً إلى ذلك المسكن مرةً أخرى.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse highlights how youth and power can intensify mada (egoic intoxication), prompting impulsive action; Shaiva teaching stresses mastering such inner forces so the soul (paśu) may loosen bondage (pāśa) and turn toward Shiva (Pati).
It sets a moral contrast: approaching sacredness requires humility and self-restraint, whereas pride-driven impulses obscure devotion; Saguna Shiva worship is most fruitful when the mind is disciplined and reverent.
A practical takeaway is to counter mada with daily japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and self-examination; applying vibhūti (Tripuṇḍra) and maintaining sāttvika conduct supports steadiness and humility.