Shloka 62

Adhyaya 61 — ग्रह-नक्षत्र-स्थाननिर्णयः

Cosmic Abodes of Luminaries and the Shaiva Order of Time

Devanagari script

परीक्ष्य निपुणं बुद्ध्या श्रद्धातव्यं विपश्चिता चक्षुः शास्त्रं जलं लेख्यं गणितं मुनिसत्तमाः

Transliteration

parīkṣya nipuṇaṃ buddhyā śraddhātavyaṃ vipaścitā cakṣuḥ śāstraṃ jalaṃ lekhyaṃ gaṇitaṃ munisattamāḥ

Translation

O Bester der Weisen, der Verständige soll erst nach sorgfältiger Prüfung mit scharfem Verstand Vertrauen fassen. Für den Unterscheidenden sind die Wissenschaft des Auges (direktes Sehen), die Wasserprobe, die schriftliche Aufzeichnung und die Berechnung die Mittel zur Bestätigung der Wahrheit.

Word by Word

• परीक्ष्य: having examined

• निपुणम्: thoroughly, skillfully

• बुद्ध्या: with intellect, discernment

• श्रद्धातव्यम्: to be trusted/accepted with faith

• विपश्चिता: by the wise/discerning person

• चक्षुः: the eye, direct perception

• शास्त्रम्: authoritative teaching/science

• जलम्: water (used as a test/standard, or purifier in verification)

• लेख्यम्: writing, written document/record

• गणितम्: calculation, reckoning

• मुनिसत्तमाः: O best among sages

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

FAQs

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

It instructs that devotion to the Linga should be grounded in examined understanding—trusting Shiva’s worship-methods only after testing them through clear perception, scriptural guidance, and disciplined reasoning, rather than blind belief.

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

Indirectly, it frames the path to Shiva-tattva as one of viveka (discernment): the Pashu (soul) loosens pasha (bondage) by purified buddhi and reliable pramāṇas, becoming fit to recognize Pati (Shiva) as the ultimate truth.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It highlights pramāṇa-sādhana—verification through perception, śāstra, and reasoning—supporting Pāśupata-style discipline where the practitioner tests teachings in conduct and contemplation before adopting them as vrata or pūjā-vidhi.