Shloka 108

उमामहेश्वरव्रतं—पञ्चाक्षरमन्त्रस्य माहात्म्यं, न्यासः, जपविधिः, सदाचारः, विनियोगः

Devanagari script

शिवस्य संनिधाने च सूर्यस्याग्रे गुरोरपि दीपस्य गोर्जलस्यापि जपकर्म प्रशस्यते

Transliteration

śivasya saṃnidhāne ca sūryasyāgre gurorapi dīpasya gorjalasyāpi japakarma praśasyate

Translation

Japa (mantra-repetition) is praised when performed in the presence of Śiva, before the Sun, in the presence of one’s Guru, and also near a lamp, a cow, and water.

Word by Word

• śivasya: of Śiva

• saṃnidhāne: in the presence/near

• ca: and

• sūryasya: of the Sun

• agre: in front of/before

• guroḥ: of the Guru

• api: also

• dīpasya: of a lamp

• goḥ: of a cow

• jalasya: of water

• api: also

• japa-karma: the act/rite of japa

• praśasyate: is praised/commended

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Surya
• Guru

FAQs

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

It specifies auspicious presences (Śiva/linga-sanctity, Sun, Guru, lamp, cow, water) that intensify japa, making Linga-upāsanā more sattvic and effective for purification and steadiness of devotion.

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

By praising japa in Śiva’s proximity, it implies Śiva as Pati—the supreme sanctifier and inner witness—whose presence loosens pāśa (bondage) and orients the paśu toward liberation through disciplined practice.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Mantra-japa as a core Pāśupata-oriented sādhana, supported by pure symbols (dīpa), dharmic presence (go), and purification media (jala), and anchored by Guru-upadeśa.