The Dynasty of Vaivasvata Manu Begins — Ilā/Sudyumna and the Birth of Purūravā
स तस्य तां दशां दृष्ट्वा कृपया भृशपीडित: । सुद्युम्नस्याशयन् पुंस्त्वमुपाधावत शङ्करम् ॥ ३७ ॥
sa tasya tāṁ daśāṁ dṛṣṭvā kṛpayā bhṛśa-pīḍitaḥ sudyumnasyāśayan puṁstvam upādhāvata śaṅkaram
Seeing Sudyumna’s pitiable condition, Vasiṣṭha was deeply pained with compassion. Wishing Sudyumna to regain his manhood, he again worshiped Lord Śaṅkara (Śiva).
This verse shows a devotee urgently approaching Śaṅkara with compassion and faith, seeking divine intervention to relieve Sudyumna’s suffering.
After seeing Sudyumna’s altered condition, he wished to restore Sudyumna’s male identity and therefore sought Lord Śiva’s assistance.
When faced with distress, respond with compassion and take sincere shelter of the Lord through prayer and proper spiritual guidance rather than despair.