Shloka 33

Upamanyu’s Tapas, Shiva’s Indra-Form Test, and the Bestowal of Kshiroda and Gaṇapatya

Devanagari script

एवमुक्तस्तदा तेन शक्रेण मुनिसत्तमः वरयामि शिवे भक्तिम् इत्युवाच कृताञ्जलिः

Transliteration

evamuktastadā tena śakreṇa munisattamaḥ varayāmi śive bhaktim ityuvāca kṛtāñjaliḥ

Translation

So von Śakra (Indra) angesprochen, erwiderte der beste der Weisen mit gefalteten Händen: „Ich wähle Bhakti, die Hingabe an Śiva.“

Word by Word

• एवम्: thus

• उक्तः: addressed/spoken to

• तदा: then

• तेन: by him

• शक्रेण: by Śakra (Indra)

• मुनिसत्तमः: the best among sages

• वरयामि: I choose/I seek as a boon

• शिवे: in/unto Śiva

• भक्तिम्: devotion

• इति: thus

• उवाच: said

• कृताञ्जलिः: with hands folded in reverence

Speaker

Muni-sattama (the foremost sage, speaking to Indra/Śakra)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Indra (Shakra)

FAQs

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

It presents Shiva-bhakti itself as the supreme boon—implying that Linga worship is not merely for worldly gains, but for turning the pashu (individual soul) toward Pati (Shiva) and liberation.

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

By choosing devotion to Shiva over other boons, the verse implies Shiva-tattva as the highest refuge and final aim—greater than Indra’s powers—drawing the seeker beyond pāśa (bondage) toward grace.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The key practice is bhakti expressed through reverence (kṛtāñjali) and intentional vow-like choosing of Shiva as the sole aim—an inner orientation foundational to Pashupata-aligned sadhana and Linga-puja.