Shloka 29

सोमवर्णनम्

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

Devanagari script

विस्तीर्णं मण्डलं कृत्वा तस्योर्ध्वं चरते शशी नक्षत्रमण्डलं कृत्स्नं सोमादूर्ध्वं प्रसर्पति

Transliteration

vistīrṇaṃ maṇḍalaṃ kṛtvā tasyordhvaṃ carate śaśī nakṣatramaṇḍalaṃ kṛtsnaṃ somādūrdhvaṃ prasarpati

Translation

Having formed a broad circular sphere of its course, the Moon (Śaśī) moves above it; and the entire sphere of the constellations extends and spreads above Soma. Thus the ordered heavens proceed in measured layers—revealing the Lord (Pati) as the regulator of cosmic rhythm, while the bound souls (paśu) perceive His governance through time and celestial motion.

Word by Word

• विस्तीर्णम्: wide, expansive

• मण्डलम्: circle, sphere, orbital region

• कृत्वा: having made/formed

• तस्य: of that (orbital sphere)

• ऊर्ध्वम्: above

• चरते: moves, traverses

• शशी: the Moon

• नक्षत्र-मण्डलम्: the sphere/circle of constellations

• कृत्स्नम्: entire, whole

• सोमात्: from/than Soma (the Moon)

• ऊर्ध्वम्: higher, above

• प्रसर्पति: spreads, extends, moves onward

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Soma (Moon)
• Nakshatras (constellations)

FAQs

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

By describing the layered, orderly movement of Moon and constellations, the verse points to Shiva as the unseen Pati who sustains cosmic law; Linga worship internalizes this order as steadiness of mind and devotion aligned with kāla (sacred time).

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

Shiva-tattva is implied as the transcendent regulator behind measurable celestial motion—He remains beyond the spheres, yet His śakti manifests as the harmonious structure that souls experience as time and rhythm.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It supports kāla-śuddhi and dhyāna: observing cosmic regularity (Moon and nakṣatras) as a contemplative aid for Pāśupata-style discipline—stabilizing awareness and loosening pāśa (bondage) through ordered practice.