Shloka 10

Adhyaya 23: श्वेत-लोहित-पीत-कृष्ण-विश्व-कल्पेषु रुद्रस्वरूप-गायत्री-तत्त्ववर्णनम्

Devanagari script

वामत्वाच्चैव देवस्य वामदेवत्वमागतः तत्रापि च महासत्त्व त्वयाहं नियतात्मना

Transliteration

vāmatvāccaiva devasya vāmadevatvamāgataḥ tatrāpi ca mahāsattva tvayāhaṃ niyatātmanā

Translation

And because of the Lord’s leftward (vāmā) nature, He attained the state of Vāmadeva. Even there, O great-souled one, I remain united with you, with the self held in disciplined restraint.

Word by Word

• वामत्वात्: from leftwardness/the Vāmā principle

• च एव: and indeed

• देवस्य: of the Lord

• वामदेवत्वम्: the state/aspect of Vāmadeva

• आगतः: attained/entered

• तत्र अपि: even there/in that state

• च: and

• महासत्त्व: O great being (voc.)

• त्वया: with you

• अहम्: I

• नियतात्मना: with controlled self/with disciplined mind

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating an internal Shaiva theological account)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Vamadeva

FAQs

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

It links the Lord’s manifest aspect (Vāmadeva) to an inner principle (vāmā/leftward power), implying that Linga worship is not merely external ritual but contemplation of Shiva’s manifested modes as Pati, approached through disciplined mind.

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

Shiva-tattva is shown as free to assume specific aspects (here, Vāmadeva) while remaining sovereign and integrative—suggesting the one Pati appears in differentiated forms without losing unity.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Niyatātmanā indicates yogic restraint and inward regulation—aligned with Pāśupata discipline—supporting Linga-upāsanā through mental steadiness, not only offerings.