Shloka 4

भुवनकोशविन्यासनिर्णयः (ज्योतिर्गति-वृष्टिचक्र-वर्णनम्)

Devanagari script

लोकपालोपरिष्टात् तु सर्वतो दक्षिणायने काष्ठां गतस्य सूर्यस्य गतिर् या तां निबोधत

Transliteration

lokapālopariṣṭāt tu sarvato dakṣiṇāyane kāṣṭhāṃ gatasya sūryasya gatir yā tāṃ nibodhata

Translation

Now, above the Lokapālas, the guardians of the quarters, during the southern course (dakṣiṇāyana), understand the path by which the Sun proceeds when he has reached the directional limit (kāṣṭhā).

Word by Word

• लोकपाल-उपरिष्टात्: above the Lokapālas (guardians of directions)

• तु: indeed/now

• सर्वतः: on all sides/throughout

• दक्षिणायने: in the southern solstitial course (dakṣiṇāyana)

• काष्ठाम्: the extreme point/limit of a direction

• गतस्य: of one who has gone/reached

• सूर्यस्य: of the Sun

• गतिः: movement/course

• या: which

• ताम्: that (course)

• निबोधत: understand/learn (attentively).

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Surya
• Lokapalas

FAQs

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

It frames cosmic time (kāla) and direction as part of Shiva’s orderly governance; such cosmological orientation supports auspicious timing and directional awareness for Linga-pūjā and temple rites.

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

By highlighting the regulated course of the Sun and the quarters, it implies an overarching lordship behind cosmic law—Shiva as Pati, the supreme regulator of kāla and niyati, within which the pashu moves under pasha until liberation.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Primarily it supports ritual timing and orientation—choosing proper ayana/kāla for observances; yogically, it encourages contemplation of kāla and cosmic order as a discipline aiding detachment from pasha.