Shloka 36
कामदाहोत्तरवृत्तान्तः / Aftermath of Kāma’s Burning
Pārvatī’s Fear and Himavān’s Consolation
मंत्रोयं सर्वमंत्राणामधिराजश्च कामदः । भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदोऽत्यंतं शंकरस्य महाप्रियः
maṃtroyaṃ sarvamaṃtrāṇāmadhirājaśca kāmadaḥ | bhuktimuktiprado'tyaṃtaṃ śaṃkarasya mahāpriyaḥ
This mantra is the sovereign lord of all mantras and the fulfiller of cherished aims. It bestows both worldly enjoyment and final liberation, and it is exceedingly dear to Śaṅkara, Lord Śiva.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Shiva Purana to the sages at Naimisharanya, within the Parvati Khanda’s discourse on mantra-glory)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Role: liberating
FAQs
It proclaims Shiva’s mantra as the highest among mantras—capable of granting both bhukti (rightful worldly well-being) and mukti (liberation), showing that devotion and mantra-japa, when aligned with Shiva, culminate in release from bondage.
Calling the mantra “most dear to Shankara” supports Saguna Shiva worship: the devotee approaches Shiva through name-and-form (such as the Linga) and mantra-japa, which purifies the pashu (individual soul) and loosens pasha (bondage), leading toward Shiva’s grace.
Regular Shiva-mantra japa with devotion—especially alongside simple Shaiva observances like worship of the Linga, wearing rudraksha, and applying tripuṇḍra (bhasma)—is implied as the practical means to attain both worldly steadiness and liberation.