Shloka 31
Śiva–Arjuna Yuddha and the Subjugation of Pride (Śiva-parīkṣā)
नन्दीश्वर उवाच । इत्युक्तस्त्वर्जुनस्तेन प्रभुणा शंकरेण सः । उवाच शंकरं भक्त्या सावधानतया स्थितः
nandīśvara uvāca | ityuktastvarjunastena prabhuṇā śaṃkareṇa saḥ | uvāca śaṃkaraṃ bhaktyā sāvadhānatayā sthitaḥ
Nandīśvara sprach: So vom Herrn Śaṅkara angesprochen, stand Arjuna aufmerksam und gefasst da und antwortete Śaṅkara in hingebungsvoller Verehrung.
Nandishvara (Nandi)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahadeva
FAQs
It highlights the Shaiva ideal of approaching Śiva with bhakti and sāvadhānatā—devotion joined to alert, disciplined attention—so the soul (paśu) becomes receptive to the Lord (Pati) and His liberating instruction.
Arjuna’s devotional, attentive reply reflects the proper inner posture for Saguna Śiva-upāsanā—whether before the Liṅga or Śiva’s manifest form—where reverent listening and responsive prayer deepen grace (anugraha).
The verse implies disciplined śravaṇa (attentive listening) and bhakti while engaging in Śiva worship—such as japa of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” performed with steady mindfulness rather than distraction.