Shloka 143

देवैर्विष्णोः शरणागमनम्—शिवलिङ्गस्थापनं, शिवसहस्रनामस्तवः, सुदर्शनचक्रप्रदानं च

Devanagari script

अकंपितो गुणग्राही नैकात्मा नैककर्मकृत् सुप्रीतः सुमुखः सूक्ष्मः सुकरो दक्षिणो ऽनलः

Transliteration

akaṃpito guṇagrāhī naikātmā naikakarmakṛt suprītaḥ sumukhaḥ sūkṣmaḥ sukaro dakṣiṇo 'nalaḥ

Translation

He is unwavering and unshaken, the discerning receiver of all virtues. He is not confined to a single form, nor limited to a single mode of action. Ever-pleased and benevolent-faced, He is subtle beyond grasp yet easily attained by the devoted; gracious and auspicious; and as the inner Fire, He consumes impurity and bondage.

Word by Word

• akampitaḥ: unshaken, unwavering

• guṇagrāhī: perceiver/acceptor of virtues, one who apprehends qualities

• naikātmā: of many forms, not limited to one self-form

• naikakarmakṛt: performer of many kinds of actions, not limited to one deed

• suprītaḥ: exceedingly pleased, deeply gracious

• sumukhaḥ: auspicious-faced, benevolent countenance

• sūkṣmaḥ: subtle, imperceptible to gross senses

• sukaraḥ: easy to approach/attain, readily accomplished

• dakṣiṇaḥ: gracious, favorable, skillful, auspicious

• analaḥ: fire, the inner consuming flame (destroyer of impurities)

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages at Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It presents Shiva as both subtle (sūkṣma) and easily attainable (sukara), supporting Linga worship as a means to approach the formless Pati through a sanctified symbol while receiving His grace (suprīta, dakṣiṇa).

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

Shiva is portrayed as unwavering consciousness (akampita), capable of manifesting in many forms (naikātmā) and performing diverse cosmic functions (naikakarmakṛt), while remaining subtle and inwardly present as the purifier (anala).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse implies Pashupata-oriented inner purification: meditating on Shiva as the inner fire (anala) that burns impurities and pasha, alongside devotion that makes Him ‘easy to attain’ (sukara) through japa, dhyāna, and Linga-pūjā.