Shloka 72

Adhyaya 84: शिवव्रतकथनम्

Uma–Maheshvara Vrata, Shula-dana, and Month-wise Ekabhakta Vrata

Devanagari script

नरः कृत्वा व्रतं चैव शिवसायुज्यमाप्नुयात् नारी देव्या न संदेहः शिवेन परिभाषितम्

Transliteration

naraḥ kṛtvā vrataṃ caiva śivasāyujyamāpnuyāt nārī devyā na saṃdehaḥ śivena paribhāṣitam

Translation

Ein Mann, der dieses Gelübde ordnungsgemäß auf sich nimmt, erlangt sāyujya — die vollkommene Vereinigung mit Herrn Śiva. Eine Frau erlangt es ebenso durch die Göttin; daran besteht kein Zweifel — so hat Śiva selbst es verkündet.

Word by Word

• नरः (naraḥ): a man

• कृत्वा (kṛtvā): having performed/undertaken

• व्रतं (vrataṃ): a vow, religious observance

• च एव (caiva): and indeed

• शिवसायुज्यम् (śiva-sāyujyam): union/identity with Śiva, sāyujya-mukti

• आप्नुयात् (āpnuyāt): may attain/obtains

• नारी (nārī): a woman

• देव्या (devyā): through the Devī, by the Goddess (Śakti)

• न (na): not

• संदेहः (saṃdehaḥ): doubt

• शिवेन (śivena): by Śiva

• परिभाषितम् (paribhāṣitam): stated, proclaimed, authoritatively spoken

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva’s stated assurance within the vrata context)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Devi
• Shakti

FAQs

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

It frames vrata (disciplined observance associated with Śiva’s worship) as a direct means to Śiva-sāyujya, emphasizing that sincere Śaiva practice culminates in liberation by Śiva’s grace.

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

Śiva is presented as Pati—the liberating Lord who grants sāyujya. Liberation is not merely merit-based; it is confirmed as Śiva’s own proclamation, highlighting His sovereignty and anugraha (saving grace).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Vrata (vowed observance) is highlighted as a Śaiva discipline aligned with Pāśupata-style self-restraint and devotion, cutting pāśa (bondage) for the pashu (individual soul) through Śiva-Śakti’s salvific power.