Shloka 1
गोत्र-प्रवर-प्रश्नः तथा तिथ्यादि-कीर्तनं
Gotra–Pravara Inquiry and Proclamation of Auspicious Time
ब्रह्मोवाच । एतस्मिन्नंतरे तत्र गर्गाचार्य्यप्रणोदितः । हिमवान्मेनया सार्द्धं कन्या दातुं प्रचक्रमे
brahmovāca | etasminnaṃtare tatra gargācāryyapraṇoditaḥ | himavānmenayā sārddhaṃ kanyā dātuṃ pracakrame
Brahmā said: Meanwhile, at that very time, Himavān—urged on by the revered teacher Garga—together with Menā, began the arrangements to give his daughter in marriage.
Brahma
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
FAQs
It marks the dharmic transition from tapas and divine intent to the sanctified household rite (vivāha) through which Śiva’s saguna grace becomes manifest in the world—showing that spiritual fulfilment can unfold through righteous social duties when aligned with the will of Pati (Śiva).
Though the verse speaks of marriage arrangements, the narrative supports Saguna Śiva-bhakti: the union of Śiva and Pārvatī is the personal, accessible face of the Supreme, inspiring devotees to worship the Liṅga with the understanding that the formless Lord also blesses through divine līlā and family dharma.
The takeaway is to sanctify major life transitions with Śaiva remembrance—reciting the Pañcākṣarī mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and offering simple Liṅga-pūjā before undertaking vows or family rites, seeking Śiva’s guidance for dharmic action.