Shloka 101
मेनायाः क्रोध-विलापः — Menā’s Lament and Reproach
to the Sage
यदि रम्यतनुस्स स्यात्तदा देया मया सुता । नान्यथा कोटिशो यत्नैर्वच्मि सत्यन्दृढं वचः
yadi ramyatanussa syāttadā deyā mayā sutā | nānyathā koṭiśo yatnairvacmi satyandṛḍhaṃ vacaḥ
“If he truly possesses a beautiful and worthy form, then my daughter shall be given by me in marriage. Not otherwise—though there be efforts made by the tens of millions. I speak this as firm truth, a steadfast vow.”
Himālaya (Himavān), father of Pārvatī
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: liberating
FAQs
It highlights satya (truthfulness) and dṛḍha-niścaya (firm resolve) as dharmic foundations for sacred union; in Shaiva thought, the human insistence on “worthiness” ultimately yields to recognizing Shiva’s supreme auspiciousness (Śiva-tattva) beyond ordinary measures.
The condition about a “worthy form” points to Saguna apprehension—judging by manifest attributes—while the wider Shiva Purana repeatedly reveals that Shiva’s true worth is realized through devotion and insight, whether approached as the Linga (transcendent sign) or as the personal Lord.
A practical takeaway is to cultivate satya and vrata-like steadiness in one’s sādhanā—especially japa of the Panchākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with disciplined intention—so discernment and devotion mature beyond superficial appearances.