Shloka 52

Adhyaya 61 — ग्रह-नक्षत्र-स्थाननिर्णयः

Cosmic Abodes of Luminaries and the Shaiva Order of Time

Devanagari script

नक्षत्राणां श्रविष्ठा स्याद् अयनानां तथोत्तरम् वर्षाणां चैव पञ्चानाम् आद्यः संवत्सरः स्मृतः

Transliteration

nakṣatrāṇāṃ śraviṣṭhā syād ayanānāṃ tathottaram varṣāṇāṃ caiva pañcānām ādyaḥ saṃvatsaraḥ smṛtaḥ

Translation

Among the nakṣatras, Śraviṣṭhā (Dhaniṣṭhā) is declared foremost; among the ayanas, the northern course (Uttarāyaṇa) is likewise supreme. And among the five kinds of year-reckonings, the Saṃvatsara is remembered as the first—thus kāla (Time) is classified for right observance in Śiva’s order.

Word by Word

• नक्षत्राणाम्: of the nakṣatras (lunar mansions)

• श्रविष्ठा: Śraviṣṭhā (Dhaniṣṭhā) nakṣatra

• स्यात्: is/should be

• अयनानाम्: of the ayanas (half-year courses)

• तथा: likewise

• उत्तरम्: the northern (Uttarāyaṇa)

• वर्षाणाम्: of years

• च एव: and indeed

• पञ्चानाम्: of five

• आद्यः: the first/primary

• संवत्सरः: Saṃvatsara (the year)

• स्मृतः: is remembered/considered

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

FAQs

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

It establishes auspicious and authoritative time-markers (nakṣatra, ayana, and year-type) used to align Śiva-pūjā with cosmic order, so worship is performed in harmony with kāla as regulated under Śiva’s dharma.

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

By implying that even kāla and its divisions are knowable and classifiable, it points to Śiva as Pati—transcendent to time yet the inner governor of its rhythms—while the paśu becomes bound when ignorant of kāla’s order.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Ritual timing (muhūrta/nakṣatra and uttarāyaṇa considerations) is highlighted—supporting disciplined observance that complements Pāśupata-style self-regulation and steadiness in practice.