Shloka 18

वासिष्ठकथनम् (आदित्य–सोमवंशवर्णनम् तथा रुद्रसहस्रनाम-प्रशंसा)

Devanagari script

इक्ष्वाकुर् नभगश् चैव धृष्णुः शर्यातिरेव च नरिष्यन्तश् च वै धीमान् नाभागो ऽरिष्ट एव च

Transliteration

ikṣvākur nabhagaś caiva dhṛṣṇuḥ śaryātireva ca nariṣyantaś ca vai dhīmān nābhāgo 'riṣṭa eva ca

Translation

Ikṣvāku and Nabhaga; likewise Dhṛṣṇu and Śaryāti; and the wise Nariṣyanta; as well as Nābhāga and Ariṣṭa—these are declared rulers in that illustrious royal line. In the Purāṇic vision, such dhārmic kings uphold the order that ultimately supports devotion to Pati (Śiva); through right conduct and worship, the paśu may loosen the fetters of pāśa.

Word by Word

• इक्ष्वाकुः (ikṣvākuḥ): Ikshvaku (progenitor-king)

• नभगः (nabhagaḥ): Nabhaga (a royal descendant)

• च एव (ca eva): and indeed

• धृष्णुः (dhṛṣṇuḥ): Dhrishnu (a king/descendant)

• शर्यातिः (śaryātiḥ): Sharyati (a king/descendant)

• एव च (eva ca): also

• नरिष्यन्तः (nariṣyantaḥ): Narishyanta (a king/descendant)

• च वै (ca vai): and indeed

• धीमान् (dhīmān): wise, discerning

• नाभागः (nābhāgaḥ): Nabhaga (name of a king/descendant)

• अरिष्टः (ariṣṭaḥ): Arishta (a king/descendant)

• एव च (eva ca): also

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating royal genealogy to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Ikshvaku
• Nabhaga
• Dhrishnu
• Sharyati
• Narishyanta
• Nabhaga
• Arishta

FAQs

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

This verse lists key kings of the solar line, implying the dharmic social order that preserves Vedic rites and temple/linga traditions, creating the conditions for Shiva-bhakti and disciplined worship to flourish.

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

Indirectly: by emphasizing dhīmat (wise) rulers and lineage continuity, it reflects the Shaiva view that worldly order (dharma) is upheld so the paśu (soul) can progress toward Pati (Shiva), who alone grants release from pāśa (bondage).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

No specific rite is prescribed in this verse; it functions as a genealogical anchor. In Shaiva reading, such lineage sections typically frame later instructions on Shiva-puja and Pashupata-oriented discipline grounded in dharma.