Shloka 34

Adhyaya 71: पुरत्रयवृत्तान्तः—ब्रह्मवरदानम्, मयकृतत्रिपुर-निर्माणम्, विष्णुमाया-धर्मविघ्नः, शिवस्तुति, त्रिपुरदाहोपक्रमः

Devanagari script

महादेवेतरं त्यक्त्वा देवं तस्यार्चने स्थितैः व्यूढोरस्कैर् वृषस्कन्धैः सर्वायुधधरैः सदा

Transliteration

mahādevetaraṃ tyaktvā devaṃ tasyārcane sthitaiḥ vyūḍhoraskair vṛṣaskandhaiḥ sarvāyudhadharaiḥ sadā

Translation

Casting aside devotion to any deity other than Mahādeva, they remained steadfast in His worship—lion-hearted guardians, broad-chested and bull-shouldered, ever bearing every weapon in His service.

Word by Word

• mahādeva-itaram: other than Mahadeva

• tyaktvā: having abandoned

• devam: the Lord (Mahadeva)

• tasya: of Him

• arcane: in worship/adoration

• sthitaiḥ: standing firm/steadfast

• vyūḍha-uraskaiḥ: with expanded/broad chests

• vṛṣa-skandhaiḥ: with bull-like shoulders (mighty-shouldered)

• sarva-āyudha-dharaiḥ: bearing all weapons/armed in every way

• sadā: always/constantly

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva (Mahadeva)
• Devas

FAQs

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

It emphasizes ekānta-niṣṭhā—exclusive steadiness in Mahadeva’s arcana—presenting Linga worship as a disciplined, unwavering commitment to Pati (Shiva) rather than divided devotion.

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

Shiva is implied as the supreme refuge worthy of singular allegiance; turning from “other-than-Mahadeva” signals recognition of Pati as the highest principle who alone grants protection and fulfillment beyond pasha (bondage).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Arcana-niṣṭhā (steadfast worship) aligned with Pāśupata discipline: single-pointed devotion, readiness to serve and protect dharma, and a constant, vigilant orientation toward Mahadeva.