Shloka 20

दारुवनलीला—नीललोहितपरीक्षा, ब्रह्मोपदेशः, अतिथिधर्मः, संन्यासक्रमः

Devanagari script

को भवानिति चाहुस्तं आस्यतामिति चापराः कुत्रेत्यथ प्रसीदेति जजल्पुः प्रीतमानसाः

Transliteration

ko bhavāniti cāhustaṃ āsyatāmiti cāparāḥ kutretyatha prasīdeti jajalpuḥ prītamānasāḥ

Translation

With hearts softened by devotion, some said to Him, “Who are you?” Others said, “Be seated.” Still others asked, “From where have you come?” and then pleaded, “Be gracious—be pleased.”

Word by Word

• कः (kaḥ): who

• भवान् (bhavān): you (honorific)

• इति (iti): thus

• च (ca): and

• आहुः (āhuḥ): they said

• तम् (tam): to him

• आस्यताम् (āsyatām): please sit / be seated

• इति (iti): thus

• च (ca): and

• अपराः (aparāḥ): others

• कुत्र (kutra): where

• इति (iti): thus

• अथ (atha): then

• प्रसीद (prasīda): be pleased / show grace

• इति (iti): thus

• जजल्पुः (jajalpuḥ): they spoke / uttered

• प्रीतमानसाः (prītamānasāḥ): with pleased, affectionate minds

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating the devas’/attendants’ words within the story)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It models the inner posture of approach to the Linga—humble inquiry, reverent hospitality, and a direct plea for prasāda (Shiva’s grace), which is central to successful Linga-pūjā.

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

Shiva is implicitly shown as Pati—the supremely independent Lord—toward whom beings turn for clarification (“Who are you?”) and liberation through grace (“prasīda”), indicating that release from pāśa (bondage) ultimately depends on His anugraha.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The key practice is śaraṇāgati (surrender) expressed as prasāda-yācñā—seeking divine favor—which aligns with Pāśupata orientation: turning the pashu (soul) toward Pati with devotion and humility.