Shloka 9
नन्दाव्रत-समाप्तिः तथा शङ्करस्य प्रत्यक्ष-दर्शनम्
Completion of the Nandā-vrata and Śiva’s Direct Appearance
महादेव उवाच । दक्षनंदिनि प्रीतोस्मि व्रतेनानेन सुव्रते । वरं वरय संदास्ये यत्तवाभिमतं भवेत्
mahādeva uvāca | dakṣanaṃdini prītosmi vratenānena suvrate | varaṃ varaya saṃdāsye yattavābhimataṃ bhavet
Mahādeva said: “O beloved daughter of Dakṣa, O virtuous keeper of this sacred vow, I am pleased with you because of this vrata. Choose a boon; I shall surely grant whatever your heart desires.”
Lord Shiva (Mahādeva)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahadeva
Significance: Models the core bhakti economy: vrata/tapas → Śiva’s prasāda → boon; encourages vrata-observance (e.g., pradoṣa, somavāra, śivarātri) as a means to receive anugraha.
Mantra: दक्षनंदिनि प्रीतोस्मि व्रतेनानेन सुव्रते । वरं वरय संदास्ये यत्तवाभिमतं भवेत्
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: liberating
FAQs
The verse highlights that sincere vrata (disciplined devotional observance) purifies the devotee and draws the grace (anugraha) of Pati—Lord Śiva—who responds by granting what supports the devotee’s inner intention, ultimately guiding the soul toward auspiciousness and liberation.
Mahādeva speaks as the accessible Saguna Lord who is pleased by devoted practice. In Linga-worship too, the devotee approaches Śiva through vow, purity, and intention; the Lord’s boon signifies the living reciprocity between worshipper and the manifested form of Śiva.
The emphasis is on vrata: a focused vow with restraint, purity, and steady worship. Practically, this aligns with Shaiva observances such as fasting or regulated conduct, japa of Śiva-mantras (e.g., the Pañcākṣarī), and simple Linga-pūjā performed with sincerity.