Shloka 31

Adhyaya 72 — Puradāha: Rudra’s Cosmic Chariot, Pāśupata-Vrata, and Brahmā’s Shiva-Stuti

Devanagari script

वृषेन्द्ररूपी चोत्थाप्य स्थापयामास वै क्षणम् क्षणान्तरे वृषेन्द्रो ऽपि जानुभ्यामगमद्धराम्

Transliteration

vṛṣendrarūpī cotthāpya sthāpayāmāsa vai kṣaṇam kṣaṇāntare vṛṣendro 'pi jānubhyāmagamaddharām

Translation

Assuming the form of the Bull-lord, he lifted him up and set him upright for a moment; yet in the very next instant that mighty bull again sank down to the earth upon his knees.

Word by Word

• वृषेन्द्ररूपी: taking the form of the lordly bull

• च: and

• उत्थाप्य: having lifted up/raised

• स्थापयामास: caused to stand, set upright

• वै: indeed

• क्षणम्: for a moment

• क्षणान्तरे: in the next moment/soon after

• वृषेन्द्रः अपि: even the bull-lord

• जानुभ्याम्: on (his) two knees

• अगमत्: went, fell down

• धराम्: to the earth/ground

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It highlights that all strength and stability ultimately rest in Pati (Shiva); without Shiva’s sustaining power, even the mightiest “bull-like” force collapses—an inner lesson for approaching the Linga with humility and surrender.

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

Shiva-tattva is shown as the sovereign support (adhāra) who can raise and steady beings, yet also reveals their inherent limitation as pashu (bound soul) under pāśa; grace may lift one, but lasting steadiness requires true alignment with Shiva.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The takeaway is Pashupata-style humility and śaraṇāgati (refuge): momentary elevation is not liberation; steadiness comes through disciplined worship of the Linga and yogic restraint that loosens pāśa (bondage).