Shloka 18

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

Devanagari script

तथा गोमिथुनं चैव कपिलं विनिवेदयेत् भवाय देवदेवाय शिवाय परमेष्ठिने

Transliteration

tathā gomithunaṃ caiva kapilaṃ vinivedayet bhavāya devadevāya śivāya parameṣṭhine

Translation

Likewise, one should present a pair of cows, and also a tawny kapilā cow, as an offering to Bhava—the God of gods—Śiva, the Supreme Lord. Through such dāna offered to Pati (the Lord), the paśu (bound soul) is led toward release from pāśa (bondage).

Word by Word

• tathā: likewise/also

• go-mithunam: a pair of cows (bull and cow)

• ca eva: and indeed

• kapilam: a tawny cow (kapilā)

• vinivedayet: should offer/present with devotion

• bhavāya: to Bhava (Śiva as the source of becoming and its transcendence)

• deva-devāya: to the God of gods

• śivāya: to Śiva, the auspicious one

• parameṣṭhine: to the Supreme Lord, enthroned as the highest reality

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Bhava

FAQs

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

It highlights dāna as an integral limb of Śiva-pūjā: offering cows—especially a revered kapilā cow—is presented as a high meritorious act dedicated to Bhava-Śiva, supporting purity, dharma, and the devotee’s approach to Shiva’s grace.

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

By naming him Bhava, Devadeva, and Parameṣṭhin, the verse frames Śiva as Pati—the supreme sovereign beyond all gods—who governs becoming (bhava) yet stands transcendent, granting auspiciousness and liberation.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A pūjā-vidhi element is emphasized: go-dāna (donation of cows) as a devotional offering to Śiva, supporting inner purification that complements Pāśupata discipline aimed at loosening pāśa (bondage) for the pashu (soul).