Shloka 71

Shivamurti–Pratishtha Phala: Shivalaya-Nirmana, Kshetra-Mahatmya, Tirtha-Snana, and Mandala-Vidhi

Devanagari script

तत्रावाह्य महादेवं नवशक्तिसमन्वितम् पञ्चभिश्च तथा षड्भिर् अष्टाभिश्चेष्टदं परम्

Transliteration

tatrāvāhya mahādevaṃ navaśaktisamanvitam pañcabhiśca tathā ṣaḍbhir aṣṭābhiśceṣṭadaṃ param

Translation

There, having invoked Mahādeva accompanied by the nine Śaktis, the worshipper should adore the Supreme One who grants the desired fruits, together with the fivefold, the sixfold, and the eightfold divine groupings.

Word by Word

• तत्र (tatra): there, in that place

• आवाह्य (āvāhya): having invoked, having ritually called

• महादेवं (mahādevaṁ): Mahādeva (Śiva)

• नवशक्ति-समन्वितम् (navaśakti-samanvitam): endowed with/attended by nine Śaktis

• पञ्चभिः (pañcabhiḥ): with five (a fivefold set)

• च (ca): and

• तथा (tathā): likewise

• षड्भिः (ṣaḍbhiḥ): with six (a sixfold set)

• अष्टाभिः (aṣṭābhiḥ): with eight (an eightfold set)

• इष्टदम् (iṣṭa-dam): bestower of desired boons

• परम् (param): the Supreme, transcendent.

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva-puja procedure to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Mahadeva
• Shakti

FAQs

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

It instructs the core ritual step of āvāhana—invoking Mahādeva into the worship-space/linga—specifically as united with Śakti, so the rite becomes a complete Pati–Śakti-centered act that yields iṣṭa (desired spiritual and worldly fruits).

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

Śiva is presented as Param (transcendent Pati) yet accessible through worship, and as inseparable from Śakti (navaśakti-samanvita), indicating the Siddhāntic principle that Śiva’s grace operates through his power to loosen Pāśa (bondage) upon the Pashu (soul).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A formal āvāhana within Linga-pūjā, paired with contemplation of Śiva along with structured śakti/group enumerations (five, six, eight, nine), supporting disciplined upāsanā aligned with Pāśupata-oriented devotion and inner concentration.