Shloka 54

The Greatness of Kāśī (Kāśī-māhātmya) and Avimukta’s Liberative Power

Devanagari script

रुद्रत्वं ते तु संप्राप्य मोदंते शिवसन्निधौ । अकामो वा सकामो वा तिर्यग्योनिगतोऽपि वा ॥ ५४ ॥

Transliteration

rudratvaṃ te tu saṃprāpya modaṃte śivasannidhau | akāmo vā sakāmo vā tiryagyonigato'pi vā || 54 ||

Translation

Nachdem sie den Zustand Rudras erlangt haben, frohlocken sie in Śivas Nähe—ob wunschlos oder von Wünschen bewegt, selbst wenn sie in eine tierische Geburt eingegangen sind.

Word by Word

• रुद्रत्वम्: the state/condition of Rudra

• ते: they/those

• तु: indeed

• संप्राप्य: having attained

• मोदन्ते: they rejoice/delight

• शिव-सन्निधौ: in the proximity/presence of Śiva

• अकामः: without desire

• वा: or

• सकामः: with desire

• वा: or

• तिर्यक्-योनि-गतः: gone into an animal/creature womb (non-human birth)

• अपि: even

• वा: or

Speaker

Narada (instructional narration within Uttara-Bhaga Mahatmya framework)

Vrata Kalpa

Vrata: none

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: bhakti

Secondary Rasa: adbhuta

Characters & Entities

• Rudra
• Shiva

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in Narada Purana?

It declares the supremacy of Śiva-sannidhi (nearness to Śiva): attainment of “rudratva” brings joy and spiritual fulfillment regardless of one’s desire-state, and even across births, implying the enduring efficacy of devotion/merit.

How does this verse explain the path of devotion (Bhakti)?

By emphasizing rejoicing in Śiva’s presence, it frames liberation-oriented progress as rooted in divine proximity and grace, not limited by whether worship is performed with desires (sakāma) or without desires (akāma).

What practical Vedic knowledge (Vedanga) is highlighted here?

No specific Vedāṅga (like Vyākaraṇa, Jyotiṣa, or Kalpa ritual procedure) is taught in this verse; it functions as a phala-statement (result/assurance) reinforcing the devotional and soteriological outcome.