Shloka 123
सर्वथा यत् पशून् पाति तैश्न यद् रमते पुनः । तेषामधिपतिर्यच्च तस्मात् पशुपति: स्मृत:,ये सर्वथा पशुओं (प्राणियों)-का पालन करते और उन्हींके साथ खेला करते हैं तथा उन पशुओंके अधिपति हैं; इसलिये “पशुपति' कहे गये हैं
sarvathā yat paśūn pāti taiś ca yad ramate punaḥ | teṣām adhipatir yat ca tasmāt paśupatiḥ smṛtaḥ ||
Vyāsa said: “He is remembered as ‘Paśupati’ because, in every way, he protects living creatures, delights again in their company, and stands as their lord and guardian.”
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
True lordship is defined by protection and benevolent guardianship. The epithet ‘Paśupati’ highlights a dharmic model of authority: one who safeguards beings and remains kindly engaged with them is worthy to be called their lord.
Vyāsa explains the etymological and ethical basis of the title ‘Paśupati’: because the deity (Śiva/Rudra) protects creatures, delights in their company, and presides over them, he is remembered by this name.