Shloka 32
नभगोपाख्यानम्
Nabhaga-Upākhyāna: The Account of Nabhaga and Shiva-Jñāna
नन्दीश्वर उवाच । तदाकर्ण्य वचस्तस्य नभगो मानवः कविः । आगच्छत्पितरं प्रीत्या तदुक्तं पृष्टवान्मुने
nandīśvara uvāca | tadākarṇya vacastasya nabhago mānavaḥ kaviḥ | āgacchatpitaraṃ prītyā taduktaṃ pṛṣṭavānmune
Nandīśvara sprach: Als er jene Worte vernommen hatte, kam Nabhaga—ein Nachkomme Manus und ein Dichter-Weiser—voll Zuneigung zu seinem Vater und fragte den Muni nach dem, was gesprochen worden war.
Nandīśvara (Nandi)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
FAQs
It highlights a Shaiva virtue: true understanding begins with attentive listening (śravaṇa) and humble inquiry (praśna). Such reverent questioning, grounded in affection and respect for elders and sages, becomes a doorway to Shiva-centered wisdom.
Though the verse is narrative, it models the proper approach to Saguna Shiva worship as taught in the Purana—receive instruction from an authorized lineage, listen carefully, and seek clarity. Linga-upāsanā is traditionally learned through such disciplined transmission rather than mere opinion.
The implied practice is śravaṇa–manana: first listen to Shaiva teachings, then reflect and ask precise questions. Practically, one may pair this with daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") while studying the Purana under guidance.