Shloka 31

उमास्वयंवरः / भवोद्वाहः, गणसमागमः, अविमुक्तक्षेत्रमाहात्म्यम्, तथा विनायक-उत्पत्तिसूचना

Devanagari script

अशनिर् भासकश् चैव चतुःषष्ट्या सहस्रपात् एते चान्ये च गणपा असंख्याता महाबलाः

Transliteration

aśanir bhāsakaś caiva catuḥṣaṣṭyā sahasrapāt ete cānye ca gaṇapā asaṃkhyātā mahābalāḥ

Translation

Aśani and Bhāsaka, and also Sahasrapāt with sixty-four thousand (followers)—these and many other Gaṇapa chiefs were innumerable and of tremendous power. They stood as the commanded hosts of Pati, Śiva, carrying out His will to protect dharma and restrain the bonds of pāśa.

Word by Word

• अशनिः: Aśani (a gaṇa-name

• भासकः: Bhāsaka (a gaṇa-name

• च: and

• एव: indeed

• चतुःषष्ट्या: with sixty-four

• सहस्रपात्: Sahasrapāt (a gaṇa-name

• एते: these

• च: and

• अन्ये: others

• च: also

• गणपाः: gaṇa-leaders/chiefs of Shiva’s hosts

• असंख्याता: innumerable

• महाबलाः: greatly powerful/mighty

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya, within the Linga Purana’s catalog of Shiva’s gaṇas)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Ganas

FAQs

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

It frames Shiva (Pati) as surrounded by innumerable, mighty gaṇas—reminding the worshipper that Linga-puja invokes not only the formless Lord but also His protective cosmic order that removes obstacles and safeguards dharma.

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

By presenting countless powerful attendants under His command, the verse implies Shiva-tattva as supreme lordship (aiśvarya) and governance: the Pati directs vast energies that can bind or liberate the pashu by cutting pasha through grace and discipline.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

No specific rite is prescribed in this line; the takeaway aligns with Pāśupata orientation—devotion and disciplined practice under Pati’s sovereignty, seeking protection and obstacle-removal through Shiva’s lordship and His gaṇa-powered śakti.