Shloka 25
गिरिजाया तपोऽनुज्ञा
Permission for Girijā’s Austerities
तपोनिषिद्धा तपसे वनं गंतुं च मेनया । हेतुना तेन सोमेति नाम प्राप शिवा तदा
taponiṣiddhā tapase vanaṃ gaṃtuṃ ca menayā | hetunā tena someti nāma prāpa śivā tadā
“When Menā restrained Śivā (Pārvatī) from going to the forest to perform tapas, then, for that very reason, she at that time obtained the name ‘Somā.’”
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Jyotirlinga: Somanātha
Sthala Purana: The epithet “Somā” evokes the Soma–Śiva linkage: Soma (Moon) attains relief from dakṣa-śāpa by worshipping Śiva, leading to the famed Somanātha-liṅga tradition; here, Pārvatī’s naming resonates with that salvific Soma motif.
Significance: Association with Soma signifies cooling of affliction and restoration through Śiva’s grace; supports the idea that tapas and Śiva-bhakti overcome obstructing conditions.
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: teaching
FAQs
It highlights Pārvatī’s unwavering resolve for tapas as a means of inner purification and God-realization, showing that even obstacles become causes for divine recognition and sacred names.
Pārvatī’s tapas is directed toward attaining Śiva in a personal (saguṇa) devotional relationship; such steadfast devotion is presented as a core pathway to Śiva’s grace, which later culminates in union and worship centered on Śiva’s presence, including the Liṅga tradition.
The verse points to disciplined tapas—regular vows, restraint, and focused meditation on Śiva—supported by japa such as the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” performed with purity and perseverance.