Shloka 9
हिमालयस्य निर्णयः — शिवाय पार्वत्याः प्रदाने
Himālaya’s Resolution to Give Pārvatī to Śiva
अथ सा मेनका शैलपत्नी बुद्ध्वा प्रसन्नधीः । मुनीनरुन्धतीं शैलं भोजयित्वा बुभोज च
atha sā menakā śailapatnī buddhvā prasannadhīḥ | munīnarundhatīṃ śailaṃ bhojayitvā bubhoja ca
Then Menakā, the wife of Himālaya, understanding the situation with a pleased and tranquil mind, first fed the sages—along with Arundhatī—and Śaila (Himālaya), and then she herself partook of the meal.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
FAQs
It highlights atithi-sevā—honouring guests and sages—as a foundational dharma that purifies the mind (prasanna-dhī) and prepares a household for higher Shaiva devotion and auspicious outcomes.
Though the verse describes hospitality, in Shaiva practice such service to devotees and sages is treated as service to Saguna Shiva’s presence in the holy and the virtuous, supporting the merit that culminates in Shiva-bhakti.
A practical takeaway is to begin worship with respectful service—offering food and water, maintaining purity and calmness—then proceed to Shiva-pūjā (e.g., japa of “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), reflecting the same spirit of reverent offering.