Shloka 27

Adhyaya 84: शिवव्रतकथनम्

Uma–Maheshvara Vrata, Shula-dana, and Month-wise Ekabhakta Vrata

Devanagari script

माघमासे रथं कृत्वा सर्वलक्षणलक्षितम् दद्यात् सम्पूज्य देवेशं ब्राह्मणांश्चैव भोजयेत्

Transliteration

māghamāse rathaṃ kṛtvā sarvalakṣaṇalakṣitam dadyāt sampūjya deveśaṃ brāhmaṇāṃścaiva bhojayet

Translation

In the month of Māgha, having prepared a chariot marked with every auspicious sign, one should give it as a gift; then, after duly worshipping the Lord of the Devas (Śiva), one should also feed the brāhmaṇas.

Word by Word

• माघमासे: in the month of Māgha

• रथं: a chariot

• कृत्वा: having made/prepared

• सर्वलक्षणलक्षितम्: marked by all auspicious characteristics

• दद्यात्: should give (as dāna)

• सम्पूज्य: having worshipped properly

• देवेशम्: the Lord of the gods (Śiva)

• ब्राह्मणान्: brāhmaṇas

• च एव: and also

• भोजयेत्: should feed

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating Śaiva dāna-vidhi to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Brahmanas

FAQs

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

It links Śiva-arcana (worship of Deveśa) with dāna and brāhmaṇa-bhojana, presenting worship as complete when devotion is expressed through righteous giving and service.

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

By naming Him “Deveśa,” it affirms Śiva as Pati—the sovereign Lord—whose worship sanctifies acts of charity, turning ritual merit into a means for the paśu to move toward freedom from pāśa.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A Māgha observance emphasizing ratha-dāna (donation of a chariot) after proper Śiva-pūjā, followed by feeding brāhmaṇas—an outward discipline that supports inner purification aligned with Śaiva dharma.