Shloka 16

दक्षयज्ञध्वंसः—वीरभद्रप्रेषणं, देवविष्ण्वोः पराजयः, पुनरनुग्रहः

Devanagari script

व्यष्टम्भयद् अदीनात्मा तथान्येषां दिवौकसाम् भगस्य नेत्रे चोत्पाट्य करजाग्रेण लीलया

Transliteration

vyaṣṭambhayad adīnātmā tathānyeṣāṃ divaukasām bhagasya netre cotpāṭya karajāgreṇa līlayā

Translation

The undaunted Lord checked and subdued the other dwellers of heaven as well; and, in mere sport, He plucked out Bhaga’s eyes with the tip of His fingernail—revealing the effortless supremacy of Pati over all the devas.

Word by Word

• व्यष्टम्भयत्: he restrained/checked

• अदीनात्मा: whose nature is untroubled, the undaunted one

• तथा: likewise

• अन्येषाम्: of others

• दिवौकसाम्: of the celestial beings (devas)

• भगस्य: of Bhaga

• नेत्रे: the two eyes

• च: and

• उत्पाट्य: tearing out/plucking out

• करजाग्रेण: with the tip of the fingernail

• लीलया: playfully, as a divine sport

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya; describing Shiva’s act within the Deva narrative)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Bhaga
• Devas

FAQs

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

It establishes Shiva as Pati—the absolute Lord beyond even the devas—so Linga worship is directed to the supreme source, not merely to a celestial power.

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

Shiva-tattva is shown as effortless sovereignty (aiśvarya) and freedom (svātantrya): He restrains the gods and acts ‘playfully’ (līlā), indicating transcendence over limitation and egoic pride.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The takeaway aligns with Pāśupata discipline: uprooting pride (ahaṅkāra) and dependence on lesser powers, turning the pashu (bound soul) toward exclusive refuge in Pati through Shiva-puja and inner restraint.