Shloka 25
Devīkṛta-praśna-varṇana (Description of the Goddess’s Questions) / देवीकृतप्रश्नवर्णनम्
वाच्यवाचकसम्बन्धस्थानानि च कथं शिव । कोऽत्राधिकारी विज्ञेयो विषयः क उदाहृतः
vācyavācakasambandhasthānāni ca kathaṃ śiva | ko'trādhikārī vijñeyo viṣayaḥ ka udāhṛtaḥ
O Śiva, „wie sind die Orte (Weisen) der Beziehung zwischen dem ausgedrückten Sinn (vācya) und dem ausdrückenden Wort (vācaka) zu verstehen? Wer ist in dieser Lehre als befähigter Anwärter (adhikārī) zu erkennen, und welches Thema wird dargelegt?“
An inquiring sage (disciple) addressing Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Significance: Clarifies śāstra-pramāṇa: how word-meaning relation can both reveal and conceal (tirodhāna) until proper adhikāra; then it becomes liberating instruction.
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse frames a classical Shaiva inquiry: right understanding begins with clarity about how sacred words convey truth (śabda–artha), who is fit to receive the teaching (adhikāra), and what the real aim is—knowledge of Śiva (Pati) that loosens bondage (pāśa) and uplifts the soul (paśu) toward liberation.
By asking about vācya–vācaka, the verse points to how names, mantras, and scriptural statements lead the mind from Saguna supports—such as Linga-worship, form, and ritual—toward the intended meaning: Śiva as the supreme reality and gracious Lord who reveals Himself through symbol and sound.
The practical takeaway is disciplined listening and contemplation of Śiva-teachings—especially japa of the Panchākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with devotion—supported by Shaiva conduct (purity, humility, guru-guidance). If practiced with right understanding of meaning, mantra becomes a direct means toward inner steadiness and Śiva-realization.