Shloka 17
अनरण्यसुता–पिप्पलादचरितम् / The Episode of Anaraṇya’s Daughter and Sage Pippalāda
वसिष्ठ उवाच । इत्येवमुक्तवन्तं सा स्वरथादवरुह्य च । ग्रहीतुमुत्सुकं हस्ते तमुवाच पतिव्रता
vasiṣṭha uvāca | ityevamuktavantaṃ sā svarathādavaruhya ca | grahītumutsukaṃ haste tamuvāca pativratā
Vasiṣṭha said: When he had spoken thus, that devoted wife (pativratā) descended from her own chariot and, eager to take him by the hand, addressed him.
Vasiṣṭha
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
FAQs
The verse highlights pativratā-dharma—steadfast, selfless devotion expressed through humility and service. In a Shaiva Siddhanta lens, such disciplined devotion purifies the soul (paśu), loosening bonds (pāśa) and making one fit for the Lord’s grace (Śiva as Pati).
Though the verse is narrative, it reflects the same bhakti-attitude used in Saguna Shiva worship: approaching with reverence, readiness to serve, and personal relationship. That inner disposition is considered essential for fruitful Linga-pūjā and for receiving Shiva’s anugraha (grace).
The implied takeaway is devotional humility and attentive service. Practically, one may pair this attitude with simple Shiva-upāsanā—japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and mindful offering during Linga worship—cultivating eagerness to “hold” the divine through steady remembrance.