Shloka 53
Duryodhana’s Śaraṇāgati and the Pāṇḍavas’ Resolve
Gandharva Encounter
रुद्रं सत्कर्मभिर्मत्या: पूजयन्तीह दैवतम् । शिवमित्येव य॑ प्राहुरीशं रुद्रे पितामहम्
rudraṃ satkarmabhir matyāḥ pūjayantīha daivatam | śivam ity eva yaṃ prāhur īśaṃ rudre pitāmaham ||
Mārkaṇḍeya said: In this world, people worship Rudra as the divine power through righteous deeds. They speak of him as ‘Śiva’ alone—Lordly and supreme—indeed, as the very Pitāmaha, the primal source, abiding within Rudra.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
True worship of the divine is expressed through satkarma—ethical, righteous conduct—while recognizing Rudra as Śiva, the auspicious Lord and supreme principle.
Mārkaṇḍeya is describing how mortals in the world honor Rudra/Śiva, emphasizing both the proper mode of worship (good deeds) and the exalted status and names by which the deity is known.