Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 24
Lord Śiva Instructs the Pracetās (Śiva-stuti and the Path of Bhakti)
तर्ह्येव सरसस्तस्मान्निष्क्रामन्तं सहानुगम् । उपगीयमानममरप्रवरं विबुधानुगै: ॥ २४ ॥ तप्तहेमनिकायाभं शितिकण्ठं त्रिलोचनम् । प्रसादसुमुखं वीक्ष्य प्रणेमुर्जातकौतुका: ॥ २५ ॥
tarhy eva sarasas tasmān niṣkrāmantaṁ sahānugam upagīyamānam amara- pravaraṁ vibudhānugaiḥ
Sogleich trat aus dem See, von Gefährten begleitet, der Herr Śiva hervor, der Vornehmste unter den Halbgöttern, während himmlische Wesen ihn mit Gesängen priesen. Sein Glanz war wie geschmolzenes Gold, seine Kehle blau, er hatte drei Augen und ein gütig-mildes Antlitz. Als die Pracetās ihn sahen, fielen sie voller Staunen ehrfürchtig nieder.
The word vibudhānugaiḥ indicates that Lord Śiva is always accompanied by the denizens of the higher planets known as Gandharvas and Kinnaras. They are very expert in musical science, and Lord Śiva is worshiped by them constantly. In pictures, Lord Śiva is generally painted white, but here we find that the color of his skin is not exactly white but like molten gold, or a glowing yellowish color. Because Lord Śiva is always very, very merciful, his name is Āśutoṣa. Amongst all the demigods, Lord Śiva can be pacified even by the lowest class of men, who need only offer him obeisances and leaves of a bael tree. Thus his name is Āśutoṣa, which means that he is pleased very quickly.
FAQs
This verse shows Lord Śiva personally revealing himself—emerging with his attendants—while the celestials glorify him, highlighting his readiness to bless sincere devotees like the Pracetās.
In this episode, the Pracetās are engaged in austerity and devotion; Lord Śiva appears to guide and bless them, preparing them for higher devotion and instruction.
Regularly hearing and reciting sacred praises trains the mind toward reverence and steadiness, making devotion and self-discipline easier to sustain.