Shloka 40
कामदाहोत्तरवृत्तान्तः / Aftermath of Kāma’s Burning
Pārvatī’s Fear and Himavān’s Consolation
ब्रह्मोवाच । एवमुक्त्वा तदा कालीं नारद त्वं शिवप्रियः । यादृच्छिकोऽगमस्त्वं तु स्वर्गं देवहिते रतः
brahmovāca | evamuktvā tadā kālīṃ nārada tvaṃ śivapriyaḥ | yādṛcchiko'gamastvaṃ tu svargaṃ devahite rataḥ
Brahmā said: “Having thus addressed Kālī at that time, you—O Nārada, beloved of Śiva—came here by chance; and you, devoted to the welfare of the gods, then went on to heaven.”
Brahma
Shakti Form: Kālī
Role: destructive
FAQs
The verse highlights the Shaiva ideal of being “Śiva-priya”—one whose life naturally aligns with Shiva’s will—expressed through devotion and actions that uphold divine harmony (deva-hita), a supportive condition for inner purity and liberation.
By calling Nārada “beloved of Shiva,” the text emphasizes saguna-bhakti: intimacy with the personal Lord (Śiva) expressed through faithful service and sacred mission, which complements external worship of the Liṅga with an inner attitude of surrender.
The practical takeaway is bhakti expressed as deva-hita (selfless service) supported by japa of the Panchākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), keeping the mind oriented to Shiva while performing duties for dharma.