Shloka 44
वैवाहिकानुष्ठानसमापनं दानप्रशंसा च / Completion of Wedding Rites and Praise of Gifts
Dāna
ब्रह्मोवाच । शङ्करस्य वचः श्रुत्वा लज्जितास्सुरयोषितः । बभूवुः सम्भ्रमात्तूष्णीं चित्रपुत्तलिका यथा
brahmovāca | śaṅkarasya vacaḥ śrutvā lajjitāssurayoṣitaḥ | babhūvuḥ sambhramāttūṣṇīṃ citraputtalikā yathā
Brahmā said: Hearing Śaṅkara’s words, the wives of the gods were ashamed; and, in sudden bewilderment, they fell silent—like painted dolls.
Brahma
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It shows the overpowering authority of Śiva’s (Pati’s) instruction: when divine truth is spoken, the ego and impulsive speech subside, and the mind becomes still—an outward sign of inner restraint valued in Shaiva discipline.
Śaṅkara here functions as Saguna Śiva—the compassionate Lord who corrects and instructs through speech and presence. Such reverent silence mirrors the devotee’s attitude before the Liṅga: humility, self-control, and receptivity to Śiva’s grace.
A practical takeaway is mauna (disciplined silence) after japa—especially of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—allowing Śiva’s teaching to settle inwardly; it also supports steady meditation and devotion.