Shloka 87

Adhyaya 8: Yogasthanas, Ashtanga Yoga, Pranayama-Siddhi, and Shiva-Dhyana leading to Samadhi

Devanagari script

समजानुस् तथा धीमान् एकजानुरथापिवा समं दृढासनो भूत्वा संहृत्य चरणावुभौ

Transliteration

samajānus tathā dhīmān ekajānurathāpivā samaṃ dṛḍhāsano bhūtvā saṃhṛtya caraṇāvubhau

Translation

Let the wise practitioner sit with both knees level, or with one knee raised; established in a firm and even seat, let him draw in and compose both feet—thus setting bodily restraint as a support for contemplation directed to Śiva.

Word by Word

• समजानुः: with both knees even/level

• तथा: likewise

• धीमान्: the wise one, discerning practitioner

• एकजानुः: with one knee (raised/placed)

• अथ अपि वा: or else

• समम्: evenly, in balance

• दृढ-आसनः: having a firm posture/seat

• भूत्वा: having become

• संहृत्य: drawing in, withdrawing, gathering

• चरणौ: the two feet

• उभौ: both

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva-upasana/yoga discipline to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It prescribes the bodily steadiness (dṛḍhāsana) that makes linga-upāsanā effective—by restraining movement and gathering the limbs, the worshipper supports one-pointed attention toward Pati (Shiva).

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

Shiva-tattva is approached here as the supreme Pati realized through inner composure; when the pashu (individual self) reduces distraction and steadies the body, the mind becomes fit to turn toward Shiva’s presence.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Āsana-siddhi: sitting in a balanced, firm posture (either both knees level or one-knee posture) and withdrawing/placing the feet properly—preparatory discipline aligned with Pashupata-style meditation and puja.