Shloka 22
Devīkṛta-praśna-varṇana (Description of the Goddess’s Questions) / देवीकृतप्रश्नवर्णनम्
कथम्प्रणव उत्पन्नः कथं प्रणव उच्यते । मात्राः कति समाख्याताः कथं वेदादिरुच्यते
kathampraṇava utpannaḥ kathaṃ praṇava ucyate | mātrāḥ kati samākhyātāḥ kathaṃ vedādirucyate
“How did the Praṇava arise, and why is it called ‘Praṇava’? How many mātrās (phonetic measures) are declared for it? And in what way is it said to be the very beginning of the Veda?”
Sages of Naimiṣāraṇya (questioning Sūta Gosvāmin)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Mantra: oṃ
Type: gayatri
FAQs
The verse frames Praṇava (Oṃ) as the primary sacred sound whose origin, structure (mātrās), and status as the seed of Vedic revelation must be understood—pointing seekers toward mantra-śāstra and inner realization of Pati (Śiva) as the ground of all śabda.
In Śaiva Siddhānta-oriented reading, Praṇava supports Saguna upāsanā as the audible form that leads the mind to Śiva’s presence; it becomes the sonic basis for mantra-japa (including Śiva mantras) that culminates in steadiness of devotion and contemplation of the Liṅga as the focus of worship.
It suggests praṇava-japa and dhyāna on Oṃ with attention to its mātrās (A-U-M and the ensuing silence), as a preparatory discipline that supports Śiva-mantra practice such as “Oṃ Namaḥ Śivāya,” especially in daily worship and Mahāśivarātri observances.