Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 12
Mārkaṇḍeya Ṛṣi Meets Lord Śiva: Devotee as Living Tīrtha and the Lord’s Māyā
आत्मन्यपि शिवं प्राप्तं तडित्पिङ्गजटाधरम् । त्र्यक्षं दशभुजं प्रांशुमुद्यन्तमिव भास्करम् ॥ ११ ॥ व्याघ्रचर्माम्बरं शूलधनुरिष्वसिचर्मभि: । अक्षमालाडमरुककपालं परशुं सह ॥ १२ ॥ बिभ्राणं सहसा भातं विचक्ष्य हृदि विस्मित: । किमिदं कुत एवेति समाधेर्विरतो मुनि: ॥ १३ ॥
ātmany api śivaṁ prāptaṁ taḍit-piṅga-jaṭā-dharam try-akṣaṁ daśa-bhujaṁ prāṁśum udyantam iva bhāskaram
মুনি হৃদয়ে ভগবান শিবকে ব্যাঘ্রচর্ম পরিহিত, ত্রিশূল, ধনুক, বাণ, খড়্গ, ঢাল, জপমালা, ডমরু, কপাল ও পরশু সহ দেখলেন। তাঁর তেজ অরুণোদয়ের সূর্যের মতো। এ দৃশ্য দেখে তিনি বিস্মিত হয়ে সমাধি ত্যাগ করে মনে মনে জিজ্ঞাসা করলেন—“এ কোথা থেকে এল?”
FAQs
This verse lists Śiva’s distinctive emblems—trident, ḍamaru, skull, axe, and tiger-skin—presenting him as the powerful lord of ascetics and the divine protector who carries weapons and sacred insignia.
In this chapter’s vision, Śiva is revealed in a majestic, awe-inspiring form; the weapons signify his cosmic authority and protection, while the tiger-skin marks his renunciation and mastery over primal forces.
It encourages reverence for disciplined spirituality: cultivate steadiness (like a yogī), simplicity (renunciation), and inner strength to protect your values while remaining devoted.