Shloka 34

आचार्य-धर्मलक्षण-श्रद्धाभक्तिप्राधान्यं तथा लिङ्गे ध्यान-पूजाविधानसंकेतः

Adhyaya 10

Devanagari script

मासोपवासैश्चान्यैर्वा भक्तिर्मुनिवरोत्तमाः अभक्ता भगवत्यस्मिंल् लोके गिरिगुहाशये

Transliteration

māsopavāsaiścānyairvā bhaktirmunivarottamāḥ abhaktā bhagavatyasmiṃl loke giriguhāśaye

Translation

O best of sages, whether by month-long fasts or by other observances, bhakti is indeed brought forth. Yet in this world, those who lack devotion to the Blessed Lord—Śiva who dwells in mountains and caves—remain without true bhakti.

Word by Word

• māsa: a month

• upavāsaiḥ: by fasts/abstinences

• ca: and

• anyaiḥ: by other (means/observances)

• vā: or

• bhaktiḥ: devotion (to Pati, Shiva)

• muni-vara-uttamāḥ: O foremost among sages

• a-bhaktāḥ: those without devotion

• bhagavati: toward the Blessed Lord

• asmin: in this

• loke: world

• giri: mountain

• guhā: cave

• āśaye: the one who dwells/rests (abides).

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It prioritizes bhakti to Pati (Shiva) as the living core of Linga-oriented practice; fasting and vratas are supportive, but without devotion they do not culminate in Shiva-realization.

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

Shiva is invoked as Bhagavan and Giriguhāśaya—immanent and accessible, abiding even in remote places—signifying the Lord as the ever-present Pati who can be approached through sincere devotion.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Month-long fasting (māsopavāsa) and allied vratas are mentioned as aids; the takeaway is that austerity must be yoked to bhakti for the Pashu (bound soul) to move toward release from pāśa (bondage).