Shloka 43

गणसमागमः (Śiva Summons the Gaṇas for the Great Festival)

Devanagari script

गणानां पृष्ठतो भूत्वा सर्वे देवास्समुत्सुकाः । अन्वयुस्सर्वसिद्धाश्च लोकपालादिका मुने

Transliteration

gaṇānāṃ pṛṣṭhato bhūtvā sarve devāssamutsukāḥ | anvayussarvasiddhāśca lokapālādikā mune

Translation

O sage, all the gods—eager and full of anticipation—took their place behind Śiva’s gaṇas. The perfected Siddhas too, and the world-guardians (Lokapālas) and others, followed along.

Word by Word

गणानाम्of the attendants (gaṇas)

पृष्ठतःfrom behind, at the back

भूत्वाhaving become

सर्वेall

देवाःthe gods

समुत्सुकाःeager, excited

अन्वयुःfollowed

सर्वसिद्धाःall the siddhas

चand

लोकपालादिकाःthose beginning with the guardians of the worlds

मुनेO sage

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Shaiva Theology

Tattva Level: pati

Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha

Characters & Entities

Shiva

Ganas

Devas

Siddhas

Lokapalas

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in the Shiva Purana?

It highlights Śiva’s supreme lordship (Pati): even the devas and Lokapālas move in alignment behind His gaṇas, implying that true auspiciousness and protection arise from following Śiva’s divine order with devotion.

How does this verse relate to the worship of the Linga or Saguna Shiva?

The verse reflects Saguna Śiva’s manifest sovereignty—His attendants lead and the gods follow—mirroring how devotees approach the Liṅga as the accessible form of the Supreme, placing themselves in humble discipleship rather than independent control.

What ritualistic or meditative practice is suggested here?

A practical takeaway is anugamana-bhāva—cultivating the attitude of ‘following’ Śiva—expressed through daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and reverent observances like Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) as a reminder of Śiva-centered discipline.