Shloka 16
नन्दाव्रत-समाप्तिः तथा शङ्करस्य प्रत्यक्ष-दर्शनम्
Completion of the Nandā-vrata and Śiva’s Direct Appearance
एतच्छ्रुत्वा वचस्तस्य साभीष्टफल भावनम् । तूष्णीं तस्थौ प्रमुदिता वरं प्राप्य मनोगतम्
etacchrutvā vacastasya sābhīṣṭaphala bhāvanam | tūṣṇīṃ tasthau pramuditā varaṃ prāpya manogatam
Hearing his words—words sure to bring the longed-for fruit—she stood in silence, rejoicing, for she had received the boon her heart had cherished.
Sūta Gosvāmi (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: liberating
FAQs
The verse highlights anugraha (divine grace): when the Lord’s (or the Lord-aligned) words are received with faith, they become “fruit-bearing,” and the devotee rests in silent, joyful acceptance—an inner sign of fulfilled longing and alignment with dharma.
In Shaiva practice, Saguna Shiva is approached through word, form, and vow—mantra, worship, and divine assurances. This verse reflects the devotee’s response to Shiva’s grace: the boon is received inwardly first (manogatam), then expressed as composed silence and joy, a hallmark of mature bhakti toward Saguna Shiva.
The takeaway is contemplative silence after receiving sacred instruction—pause, internalize, and let the teaching ripen. Practically, one may sit briefly after japa of “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” holding the intention (bhāvanā) with steadiness rather than agitation.