Shloka 2

Adhyaya 61 — ग्रह-नक्षत्र-स्थाननिर्णयः

Cosmic Abodes of Luminaries and the Shaiva Order of Time

Devanagari script

चीर्णेन सुकृतेनेह सुकृतान्ते ग्रहाश्रयाः तारणात्तारका ह्येताः शुक्लत्वाच्चैव तारकाः

Transliteration

cīrṇena sukṛteneha sukṛtānte grahāśrayāḥ tāraṇāttārakā hyetāḥ śuklatvāccaiva tārakāḥ

Translation

By the sukṛta (merit) practiced here, at the culmination of that merit beings attain the abodes of the grahas (luminaries). They are called “tārakās” because they ferry the bound paśu across; and they are also called “tārakās” because of their bright, white radiance.

Word by Word

• चीर्णेन (cīrṇena): by practiced/performed

• सुकृतेन (sukṛtena): by meritorious deeds

• इह (iha): here (in this world)

• सुकृतान्ते (sukṛtānte): at the end/fruition of merit

• ग्रह-आश्रयाः (graha-āśrayāḥ): those who take refuge/attain the stations of the grahas (celestial bodies)

• तारणात् (tāraṇāt): because of ferrying across/saving

• तारकाः (tārakāḥ): deliverers/stars

• हि (hi): indeed

• एताः (etāḥ): these

• शुक्लत्वात् (śuklatvāt): because of whiteness/brightness

• च एव (ca eva): and also

• तारकाः (tārakāḥ): stars (so called).

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It frames worship and dharmic merit as a real spiritual force: properly performed sukṛta connected to Shiva leads the paśu toward higher stations, preparing the mind for Shiva-bhakti that ultimately transcends even celestial abodes.

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

Shiva-tattva is implied as the true ‘tāraka’ (deliverer): while graha-lokas are fruits within saṁsāra, Shiva as Pati is the ultimate one who enables crossing beyond bondage; the verse uses ‘tāraṇa’ (ferrying) language that aligns with Shiva’s liberating function.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse highlights sukṛta—merit generated through dharma, vrata, dāna, and Shiva-pūjā—as the preparatory discipline; in Shaiva terms, it supports Pāśupata-oriented purification that readies the paśu to loosen pāśa and seek Pati.