Shloka 71

Adhyaya 84: शिवव्रतकथनम्

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

Devanagari script

मार्गशीर्षकमासादिकार्तिकान्तं प्रवर्तितम् नरनार्यादिजन्तूनां हिताय मुनिसत्तमाः

Transliteration

mārgaśīrṣakamāsādikārtikāntaṃ pravartitam naranāryādijantūnāṃ hitāya munisattamāḥ

Translation

O best of sages, the observances that begin with the month of Mārgaśīrṣa and extend up to the end of Kārtika have been instituted for the welfare of all beings—men, women, and other creatures—so that the bound souls (paśu) may be led toward Śiva’s grace as Pati and toward freedom from pāśa (bondage).

Word by Word

• मार्गशीर्षक-मास-आदि: beginning with the month of Mārgaśīrṣa

• कार्तिक-अन्तम्: ending with (the close of) Kārtika

• प्रवर्तितम्: set in motion, ordained, instituted

• नर-नारी-आदि: men, women, and others

• जन्तूनाम्: of living beings/creatures

• हिताय: for the benefit, for welfare

• मुनि-सत्तमाः: O best among sages

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It frames month-based vrata and Shiva-puja (from Mārgaśīrṣa through Kārtika) as a universal welfare practice, implying that regulated devotion to the Linga is meant to uplift all beings, not only a select group.

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

By presenting the observances as instituted for the good of all creatures, the verse points to Śiva as Pati—the compassionate Lord whose grace-oriented discipline is designed to release the paśu (individual soul) from pāśa (bondage).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A structured cycle of vrata/niyama tied to sacred months—supporting regular Shiva-puja and self-restraint—functions as a practical Shaiva discipline aligned with Pāśupata ideals of purification and liberation.