Shloka 28

सोमवर्णनम्

Graha–Ratha–Aśva Varṇana, Dhruva-Nibaddha Gati, Maṇḍala-Pramāṇa, Graha-Arcana

Devanagari script

दक्षिणायनमार्गस्थो यदा चरति रश्मिवान् ग्रहाणां चैव सर्वेषां सूर्यो ऽधस्तात् प्रसर्पति

Transliteration

dakṣiṇāyanamārgastho yadā carati raśmivān grahāṇāṃ caiva sarveṣāṃ sūryo 'dhastāt prasarpati

Translation

When the radiant Sun moves along the southern course (dakṣiṇāyana), he proceeds beneath all the planets, in accordance with the ordained cosmic order. Thus the luminary’s descent marks the turning of time, while the Lord (Pati) remains the unseen regulator of all motion.

Word by Word

• दक्षिणायन-मार्ग-स्थः: situated on the path of the southern solstice (southern course)

• यदा: when

• चरति: moves, traverses

• रश्मिवान्: possessing rays, radiant

• ग्रहाणाम्: of the planets (grahas)

• च एव: and indeed

• सर्वेषाम्: of all

• सूर्यः: the Sun

• अधस्तात्: below, beneath

• प्रसर्पति: glides forward, proceeds

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Surya

FAQs

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

It frames time (kāla) and celestial order as regulated reality, encouraging the devotee to worship the Linga as the timeless Pati who governs the movements of all luminaries beyond their visible courses.

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

By highlighting the Sun’s ordained movement, the verse implies a higher, unseen governor of cosmic law—Shiva as Pati—distinct from changing phenomena (pāśa) and the bound soul (paśu).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A contemplative discipline: aligning one’s awareness with cosmic cycles (dakṣiṇāyana/uttarāyaṇa) to cultivate vairāgya and steady meditation on the Linga as the transcendent source beyond time.