Shloka 4

Adhyaya 84: शिवव्रतकथनम्

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

Devanagari script

ब्राह्मणान् भोजयित्वा च दत्त्वा शक्त्या च दक्षिणाम् रथाद्यैर्वापि देवेशं नीत्वा रुद्रालयं प्रति

Transliteration

brāhmaṇān bhojayitvā ca dattvā śaktyā ca dakṣiṇām rathādyairvāpi deveśaṃ nītvā rudrālayaṃ prati

Translation

Having first fed the brāhmaṇas and, according to one’s capacity, given them dakṣiṇā, one should then convey the Lord of the Devas—by chariot and other conveyances—and proceed toward Rudra’s abode, the sacred Śiva-temple (Rudrālaya).

Word by Word

• ब्राह्मणान्: the brāhmaṇas

• भोजयित्वा: having fed/served with a meal

• च: and

• दत्त्वा: having given

• शक्त्या: according to one’s ability

• च: and

• दक्षिणाम्: honorarium/ritual gift (dakṣiṇā)

• रथाद्यैः: by chariots and the like (vehicles)

• वा अपि: or also

• देवेशम्: the Lord of the Devas (Śiva as Deveśa)

• नीत्वा: having led/conveyed

• रुद्रालयम्: Rudra’s abode, Śiva-temple

• प्रति: towards

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya, contextual)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It frames Śiva-pūjā as inseparable from dharma: feeding brāhmaṇas and giving dakṣiṇā purifies the act of worship, then one approaches Rudrālaya with reverence, treating the Lord as the supreme recipient (Pati) of offerings.

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

By naming Him “Deveśa,” it presents Śiva as Pati—the sovereign Lord even of the devas—whose abode (Rudrālaya) is approached after acts of charity, indicating that grace (anugraha) follows humility and right action.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A pūjā-vidhi sequence is highlighted: brāhmaṇa-bhojana and dakṣiṇā as preparatory observances, followed by a formal procession to the Śiva-temple—supporting the Pāśupata ethos of purification before direct worship.