Shloka 22

भुवनकोशविन्यासनिर्णयः (ज्योतिर्गति-वृष्टिचक्र-वर्णनम्)

Devanagari script

गन्धर्वैरप्सरोभिश् च ग्रामणीसर्पराक्षसैः प्रदीपयन् सहस्रांशुर् अग्रतः पृष्ठतो ऽप्यधः

Transliteration

gandharvairapsarobhiś ca grāmaṇīsarparākṣasaiḥ pradīpayan sahasrāṃśur agrataḥ pṛṣṭhato 'pyadhaḥ

Translation

Begleitet von Gandharvas und Apsaras, von Anführern, Schlangen und Rākṣasas, loderte der Tausendstrahlige auf—und erhellte den Weg nach vorn, nach hinten und selbst nach unten.

Word by Word

• गन्धर्वैः: by the Gandharvas (celestial musicians)

• अप्सरोभिः: by the Apsarases (celestial nymphs)

• च: and

• ग्रामणी: by leaders/chiefs

• सर्प: by serpents/Nāgas

• राक्षसैः: by Rākṣasas (powerful beings)

• प्रदीपयन्: illuminating, making radiant

• सहस्रांशुः: the thousand-rayed one (radiant, sun-like splendor

• अग्रतः: in front

• पृष्ठतः: behind

• अपि: also/even

• अधः: below

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Gandharvas
• Apsarases
• Nāgas (Serpents)
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

It emphasizes the Linga’s core symbolism as Shiva’s self-luminous presence (Pati) that illumines all directions—signifying protection, guidance, and the removal of bondage (pāśa) for the pashu (soul).

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

Shiva-tattva is indicated as all-penetrating light: not limited to one direction or realm, it shines before, behind, and below—implying transcendence and immanence, beyond ordinary spatial limits.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The imagery supports dīpa/tejas-upāsanā in Shiva-pūjā (offering of lamps) and the yogic contemplation of Shiva as inner light—steady awareness that dispels darkness (avidyā), the root of pāśa.