Shloka 74
Niṣādasya Bhillasya Itihāsaḥ — Śivarātri-vrata-prabhāvaḥ
The Hunter’s Account and the Efficacy of the Śivarātri Observance
तत्स्वामिवचनं श्रुत्वा मेनाते तन्न धर्मतः । प्रोचुः प्रीत्या स्वभर्तारं वैधव्ये जीवितं च धिक्
tatsvāmivacanaṃ śrutvā menāte tanna dharmataḥ | procuḥ prītyā svabhartāraṃ vaidhavye jīvitaṃ ca dhik
Hearing her husband’s words, Menā did not accept them as righteous dharma. With affection she spoke to her husband: “Fie upon a life lived in widowhood!”
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
FAQs
The verse highlights dharma as lived conviction: Menā measures counsel against righteousness and affirms steadfast commitment, reflecting the Shaiva ethic of integrity (dharma) supporting devotion and right action.
Though not directly about the Liṅga, it supports the Kotirudra Samhita’s devotional tone: steadfastness and fidelity are inner disciplines that mature bhakti toward Saguna Shiva, preparing the devotee for pilgrimage and worship with sincerity.
A practical takeaway is dhārmic resolve (saṅkalpa) before worship—mentally reaffirming truthfulness and loyalty—then offering worship with the Panchākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” to steady the mind in devotion.