Shloka 3

सोमवर्णनम्

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

Devanagari script

अष्टाश्वश्चाथ भौमस्य रथो हैमः सुशोभनः जीवस्य हैमश्चाष्टाश्वो मन्दस्यायसनिर्मितः

Transliteration

aṣṭāśvaścātha bhaumasya ratho haimaḥ suśobhanaḥ jīvasya haimaścāṣṭāśvo mandasyāyasanirmitaḥ

Translation

Then Bhauma (Mars) has a splendid chariot of gold drawn by eight horses. Jīva (Jupiter) too has a golden chariot drawn by eight horses, while Manda (Saturn) has a chariot fashioned of iron.

Word by Word

• अष्टाश्वः: eight-horsed

• च: and

• अथ: then/now

• भौमस्य: of Mars (Bhauma)

• रथः: chariot

• हैमः: made of gold

• सुशोभनः: very splendid/beautiful

• जीवस्य: of Jupiter (Jīva/Bṛhaspati)

• हैमः: golden

• च: also

• अष्टाश्वः: eight-horsed

• मन्दस्य: of Saturn (Manda/Śani)

• आयस-निर्मितः: made of iron

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Bhauma (Mars)
• Jīva (Jupiter/Bṛhaspati)
• Manda (Saturn/Śani)

FAQs

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

It frames the cosmos as an ordered manifestation under Pati (Śiva), where even grahas have regulated forms—supporting the Shaiva view that Linga-puja harmonizes the worshipper (paśu) with cosmic order and reduces pasha-like afflictions.

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

By presenting a disciplined cosmic architecture (distinct chariots, metals, and measures), the verse implies Shiva-tattva as the supreme regulator (Pati) whose śakti sustains niyati (cosmic law) governing all moving powers, including the grahas.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Graha-related śānti as an auxiliary to Shaiva sādhanā is suggested: worship of Mahādeva through Linga-puja and mantra-japa to pacify planetary influences, supporting Pāśupata-oriented purification of the paśu from binding conditions (pāśa).