Shloka 49
Dāruvana-parīkṣā: Śaṅkara’s Test and the Linga’s Ritual-Theological Grounding
मंत्रोक्तेन विधानेन देवाश्च ऋषयस्तथा । चक्रुः प्रसन्नां गिरिजां शिवं च धर्महेतवे
maṃtroktena vidhānena devāśca ṛṣayastathā | cakruḥ prasannāṃ girijāṃ śivaṃ ca dharmahetave
Following the rite as prescribed in the mantras, the gods and the sages likewise performed the worship, pleasing Girijā (Pārvatī) and Śiva, so that dharma might be established and upheld.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Sthala Purana: Devas and ṛṣis perform mantra-governed worship to please Śiva and Girijā so that dharma may be re-established; the narrative frames ritual as a means for cosmic re-ordering through Śiva’s grace.
Significance: Models the Siddhānta principle that right ritual (kriyā) and right mantra (mantra) dispose the soul toward Śiva’s anugraha, which alone stabilizes dharma.
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It teaches that dharma is strengthened when worship is done with mantra, right method (vidhi), and sincere devotion—invoking Śiva and Girijā’s grace, which sustains cosmic order and supports liberation-oriented living in a Śaiva frame.
By emphasizing mantra-prescribed worship, it points to Saguna upāsanā—approaching Śiva through form and ritual (often centered on the Liṅga) so the Lord becomes ‘prasanna’ (gracious), granting dharmic stability and spiritual progress.
Mantra-vidhi worship: recitation of Śiva-mantras (commonly the Pañcākṣarī), paired with proper pūjā procedure and a dharma-intent—offering water, bilva leaves, and meditative remembrance to please Śiva and Pārvatī.