Shloka 12
सतीचरिते पितृगृहे आशीर्वाद-वचनम् तथा यौवनारम्भः — Satī at her father’s house: blessings and the onset of youth
पप्रच्छाज्ञां तपोहेतोश्शंकरस्य विनीतधीः । मातुश्शिवाथ वैरिण्यास्सा सखी परमेश्वरी
papracchājñāṃ tapohetośśaṃkarasya vinītadhīḥ | mātuśśivātha vairiṇyāssā sakhī parameśvarī
With a humble mind, she sought Śaṅkara’s permission in order to undertake austerities; that Supreme Goddess—though regarded as an enemy by her mother Śivā—was nevertheless her close companion.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: liberating
FAQs
It highlights the Shaiva principle that tapas becomes fruitful when performed with humility and under the grace/permission of Pati (Śiva), showing surrender and right intention rather than ego-driven austerity.
By seeking Śaṅkara’s consent, the verse points to Saguna Śiva as the accessible Lord who guides devotion and discipline; in Linga-worship too, the devotee approaches Śiva with reverence, asking for anugraha (grace) before vows and observances.
It suggests beginning any vrata or tapas with śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) and a formal saṅkalpa before Śiva—ideally accompanied by japa of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” and a disciplined tapas routine.