Shloka 48
हस्ते देव पिनाक॑ ते सततं केन तिष्ठति । जटिलो ब्रह्माचारी च किमर्थमसि नित्यदा,देव! आपके हाथमें पिनाक क्यों सदा विद्यमान रहता है? आप किसलिये नित्य जटाधारी ब्रह्मचारीके वेशमें रहते हैं?
haste deva pinākaṁ te satataṁ kena tiṣṭhati | jaṭilo brahmacārī ca kimartham asi nityadā deva ||
Mahādeva asks: “O Lord, why does your bow Pināka remain constantly in your hand? And for what reason do you always abide in the guise of a matted-haired ascetic and a lifelong celibate?”
श्रीमहेश्वर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharmic tension held together in the divine ideal: unwavering readiness to protect and uphold order (Pināka ever in hand) alongside constant self-restraint and renunciation (jaṭā and brahmacarya). Power is shown as legitimate only when paired with discipline.
Śrīmahēśvara poses a direct inquiry to the addressed deity, asking the reasons behind two defining marks: the perpetual presence of the bow Pināka and the continual ascetic, celibate appearance. The dialogue frames these as purposeful signs rather than mere ornament.