Shloka 33
Brahmā Counsels the Demigods; Journey to Kailāsa; Śiva’s Tranquility and Brahmā’s Praise
तस्मिन्महायोगमये मुमुक्षुशरणे सुरा: । ददृशु: शिवमासीनं त्यक्तामर्षमिवान्तकम् ॥ ३३ ॥
tasmin mahā-yogamaye mumukṣu-śaraṇe surāḥ dadṛśuḥ śivam āsīnaṁ tyaktāmarṣam ivāntakam
The demigods beheld Lord Śiva seated beneath that tree of great yoga, a refuge for those seeking liberation and a bestower of perfection upon yogīs. Grave like eternal Time, he appeared to have cast off all anger.
In this verse the word mahā-yogamaye is very significant. Yoga means meditation on the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and mahā-yoga means those who engage in the devotional service of Viṣṇu. Meditation means remembering, smaraṇam. There are nine different kinds of devotional service, of which smaraṇam is one process; the yogī remembers the form of Viṣṇu within his heart. Thus there were many devotees engaged in meditation on Lord Viṣṇu under the big banyan tree.
FAQs
It describes Śiva’s abode as “mumukṣu-śaraṇa,” a shelter for those desiring mokṣa, and shows him as a powerful yet composed yogī whom even the demigods approach.
In the aftermath of Dakṣa’s sacrifice being disrupted, the demigods approach Śiva and behold him seated in a great yogic state—indicating a movement toward reconciliation and restoration of cosmic order.
The verse highlights inner mastery: like Śiva, one can cultivate restraint and forgiveness—responding from steadiness rather than reacting from resentment.