Shloka 39
अत्रीश्वरमाहात्म्यवर्णनम् (Atrīśvara-māhātmya-varṇanam) — “Account of the Greatness of Atrīśvara”
अनसूयोवाच । यदि प्रसन्ना देवेशि यद्यस्ति च कृपा मयि । त्वया स्थेयं निश्चलत्वादस्मिन्देवि तपोवने
anasūyovāca | yadi prasannā deveśi yadyasti ca kṛpā mayi | tvayā stheyaṃ niścalatvādasmindevi tapovane
Anasūyā said: “If you are pleased, O Goddess, and if there is compassion in you toward me, then, O Devi, you should remain here in this sacred grove of austerities, steady and unmoving.”
Anasūyā
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Sthala Purana: Anasūyā petitions Gaṅgā-devī to remain ‘niścalā’ in the tapovana; such petitions often become the etiological seed for a localized tīrtha where Gaṅgā is believed to be permanently present.
Significance: Promises enduring access to purifying waters for ascetics and householders; staying of the devī signifies stable grace for the bound soul seeking release from pāśa.
Type: stotra
Shakti Form: Gaurī
Role: liberating
FAQs
It highlights śaraṇāgati (surrender) and the request for divine anugraha (grace): the devotee asks the Devi to remain present in the tapovana, symbolizing steady, sanctifying divine presence that supports tapas and inner purification on the Shaiva path.
Although the verse addresses the Devi, it aligns with Saguna worship—seeking the tangible, compassionate presence of the Divine in a sacred place. In Shaiva Siddhanta, such grace (śakti/anugraha) supports the soul’s approach to Shiva, often centered in practice around linga-sevā and temple/pilgrimage sanctity.
A practical takeaway is niścalatā (steadiness): remain fixed in daily worship—japa of “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” quiet meditation in a consecrated space, and disciplined tapas—invoking divine grace to ‘abide’ in one’s place of practice.