Shloka 13

व्यपोहनस्तवनिरूपण-प्रसङ्गे नक्तभोजन-शिवव्रतविधिः (वार्षिक-प्रतिमास-क्रमः)

Devanagari script

अग्निकार्यमधःशय्यां नक्तभोजी समाचरेत् प्रतिमासं प्रवक्ष्यामि शिवव्रतमनुत्तमम्

Transliteration

agnikāryamadhaḥśayyāṃ naktabhojī samācaret pratimāsaṃ pravakṣyāmi śivavratamanuttamam

Translation

He should perform the sacred fire-duty, sleep on a low bed, and eat only at night. Now I shall expound, month by month, the unsurpassed vow of Śiva—by which the paśu (bound soul) is purified of pāśa (bondage) and becomes fit for the grace of the Pati (Lord).

Word by Word

• agni-kāryam: fire-rite/duty connected with sacred fire

• adhaḥ-śayyām: a low bed/lying down on the ground

• nakta-bhojī: one who eats at night only

• samācaret: should practice/observe

• pratimāsam: every month/month by month

• pravakṣyāmi: I shall declare/explain

• śiva-vratam: Śiva’s vow/observance dedicated to Lord Śiva

• anuttamam: unsurpassed/supreme

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Agni

FAQs

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

It frames Linga-centered devotion as a disciplined Śiva-vrata: fire-rite, austerity (low bed), and regulated diet, preparing the devotee for effective Śiva-pūjā and the Lord’s grace.

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

Śiva is implied as the supreme Pati who responds to inner purity and restraint; the vow is “anuttama” because it aligns the paśu toward liberation from pāśa through Śiva’s favor.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A vrata-based sādhana combining Vedic agni-kārya with niyamas—sleeping low and naktabhojana—echoing Pāśupata-style purification through tapas and disciplined living.