Shloka 43
The Greatness of Kāśī (Avimukta): Pilgrimage Calendar, Yātrā-Dharma, and the Network of Śiva-Liṅgas
तस्मिन्स्थाने तु सुभगे स्वयमाविरभूच्छिवः । गोप्रेक्षक इति ख्यातः संस्तुतः सर्वदैवतैः ॥ ४३ ॥
tasminsthāne tu subhage svayamāvirabhūcchivaḥ | goprekṣaka iti khyātaḥ saṃstutaḥ sarvadaivataiḥ || 43 ||
In that auspicious place, Śiva manifested of his own accord. He became renowned by the name “Goprekṣaka” (the Watcher and Protector of the cows) and was praised by all the gods.
Narada (narrating a tirtha-mahatmya account within Uttara-Bhaga)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It highlights a tirtha’s sanctity through a self-manifest (svayambhū-like) appearance of Śiva, indicating that the place is divinely charged and worthy of reverence and pilgrimage.
Bhakti is expressed through stuti (praise): even the devas honor the manifested form of Śiva, modeling devotional glorification as a direct response to divine presence.
No specific Vedanga (like Vyākaraṇa or Jyotiṣa) is taught in this verse; it functions primarily as tirtha-mahātmya—establishing a sacred site and the deity’s name for worship and remembrance.