Shloka 51
अध्याय १६ — शङ्कर-उमा-वरदानम् तथा तण्डि-स्तुतिः (Śaṅkara–Umā Boon-Granting and Taṇḍi’s Hymn)
मृत्युर्यमो हुताशश्व॒ काल: संहारवेगवान् । कालस्य परमा योनि: कालक्षायं सनातन:,मृत्यु, यम, अग्नि, संहारके लिये वेगशशाली काल, कालके परम कारण तथा सनातन काल भी--ये महादेव ही हैं
mṛtyur yamo hutāśaś ca kālaḥ saṃhāravegavān | kālasya paramā yoniḥ kālakṣayaṃ sanātanaḥ ||
Vāyudeva said: “Death, Yama, and Agni; the mighty Time that rushes on for dissolution; the supreme source of Time; and the eternal principle in which Time itself comes to an end—these are all Mahādeva.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
All seemingly separate cosmic powers—death, judgment (Yama), sacrificial fire (Agni), and destructive Time—are expressions of one supreme divinity, Mahādeva. Recognizing this supports dharmic humility and steadiness in the face of mortality and change.
Vāyudeva is speaking in praise of Mahādeva, identifying him with major cosmic forces. The statement functions as a theological clarification within Anuśāsana Parva’s instruction-oriented discourse, emphasizing Śiva’s all-encompassing sovereignty.