Shloka 26

भुवनकोशविन्यासनिर्णयः (ज्योतिर्गति-वृष्टिचक्र-वर्णनम्)

Devanagari script

ततो मन्दतरं नाभ्यां चक्रं भ्रमति वै यथा मृत्पिण्ड इव मध्यस्थो ध्रुवो भ्रमति वै तथा

Transliteration

tato mandataraṃ nābhyāṃ cakraṃ bhramati vai yathā mṛtpiṇḍa iva madhyastho dhruvo bhramati vai tathā

Translation

Then, as a wheel turns more slowly around its hub, so too Dhruva at the center—fixed in the middle like a lump of clay—revolves; thus the ordered motion of the cosmic circle is established under the Lord (Pati).

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then/thereafter

• mandataraṃ: more slowly

• nābhyām: around the hub/navel (axis)

• cakram: wheel/circle

• bhramati: revolves/turns

• vai: indeed

• yathā: just as

• mṛtpiṇḍa iva: like a lump of clay

• madhyasthaḥ: situated in the middle

• dhruvaḥ: Dhruva/the Pole Star (fixed point)

• tathā: so/in the same way

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Dhruva

FAQs

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

It presents the universe as a regulated “wheel” with a stable center, supporting Linga-upasana where the Linga signifies the unmoving Pati (Shiva) who steadies and orders all motion.

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

By highlighting an unmoving center amid rotation, it points to Shiva-tattva as the steady, sovereign principle (Pati) by which the changing cosmos (and bound souls, pashu) remain held in lawful order.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A contemplative practice: meditate on the still center within movement—using the Linga as the symbol of the inner Dhruva-like steadiness—supporting Pashupata-oriented dhyana that loosens pasha (bondage).