Shloka 42

Adhyaya 44: Nandikesvara’s Manifestation and Abhisheka; The Rule of Namaskara in Shiva-Nama

Devanagari script

लब्धो हारश् च परमो देव्याः कण्ठगतस् तथा वृषेन्द्रश् च सितो नागः सिंहः सिंहध्वजस् तथा

Transliteration

labdho hāraś ca paramo devyāḥ kaṇṭhagatas tathā vṛṣendraś ca sito nāgaḥ siṃhaḥ siṃhadhvajas tathā

Translation

A supreme necklace was obtained and placed upon the Goddess’s neck. Likewise there appeared the lordly bull, the white serpent, the lion, and also the lion-banner—emblems proclaiming the sovereignty of Śiva-Śakti and the auspicious power that, under the lordship of Pati, protects the paśu from the bond of pāśa.

Word by Word

• लब्धः: obtained

• हारः: necklace/garland

• च: and

• परमः: supreme/excellent

• देव्याः: of the Goddess

• कण्ठगतः: set upon the neck/come to the throat (worn at the neck)

• तथा: likewise

• वृषेन्द्रः: best of bulls/lordly bull

• च: and

• सितः: white

• नागः: serpent

• सिंहः: lion

• सिंहध्वजः: lion-banner/standard bearing a lion

• तथा: also/likewise

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Devi (Parvati/Shakti)
• Shiva (implied)
• Nandi (implied by vṛṣendra)

FAQs

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

It frames Devi’s adornment and the appearance of sacred emblems (bull, serpent, lion, banner) as signs of Śiva-Śakti’s sovereign presence—supporting Linga worship as devotion to Pati who grants protection and auspiciousness.

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

Śiva-tattva is implied through royal and protective insignia: Nandi (vṛṣendra) and the serpent signify mastery over dharma and death, while the lion and banner indicate fearless lordship—Pati’s power manifest through Śakti.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse primarily highlights pūjā-lakṣaṇa (marks of worship): honoring Śiva-Śakti through auspicious symbols and offerings; yogically, it points to cultivating fearlessness and protection under Pati, a core aim aligned with Pāśupata orientation.