Shloka 39
मेना-शिवदर्शन-प्रस्थानम् | Menā’s Quest to Behold Śiva
Departure for Śiva’s Darśana
तच्छोभां वर्णितुं मेने मया नैव हि शक्यते । स एवाखिलब्रह्माण्डपतिस्सर्वेश्वरः स्वराट्
tacchobhāṃ varṇituṃ mene mayā naiva hi śakyate | sa evākhilabrahmāṇḍapatissarveśvaraḥ svarāṭ
I considered that it is truly not possible for me to describe that radiance. He alone is the Lord of all the universes—the Sovereign, the Supreme Ruler of all, self-governing and independent.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Jyotirlinga: Viśvanātha
Sthala Purana: As Viśvanātha, Śiva is hailed as Lord of the universe; Kāśī is celebrated as his eternal seat where liberation is granted and the Lord’s sovereignty is directly experienced.
Significance: Darśana of Viśvanātha is sought for viśveśvaratva-bhāva (recognizing Śiva as Lord of all) and for mokṣa-bestowing grace in Kāśī.
Type: stotra
Cosmic Event: Cosmic sovereignty over innumerable brahmāṇḍas (multi-universe lordship)
FAQs
The verse declares Shiva’s splendor as beyond ordinary speech and establishes Him as Pati—the independent Supreme Lord—pointing the devotee toward reverent humility and surrender (bhakti) as the proper response to the Infinite.
By affirming Shiva as Sarveśvara and Svarāṭ, it supports Saguna worship—especially Linga-upāsanā—where the devotee approaches the transcendent Lord through a sacred form, while acknowledging that His true glory ultimately exceeds description.
A practical takeaway is japa with the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” and contemplative dhyāna on Shiva’s boundless tejas (radiance), cultivating devotion and inner stillness rather than attempting to limit Him to concepts.