Shloka 4
दक्षयज्ञे मुनिदेवसमागमः / The Gathering of Sages and Gods at Dakṣa’s Sacrifice
पैलः पराशरो गर्गो भार्गवः ककुपस्सितः । सुमंतुत्रिककंकाश्च वैशंपायन एव च
pailaḥ parāśaro gargo bhārgavaḥ kakupassitaḥ | sumaṃtutrikakaṃkāśca vaiśaṃpāyana eva ca
Paila, Parāśara, Garga, Bhārgava, Kakupassita, Sumantu, Trikakaṅka, and also Vaiśampāyana—these sages too were present and are being enumerated.
Sūta Gosvāmī
Tattva Level: pashu
Sthala Purana: Continuation of the attendee-enumeration: the narrative stresses the yajña’s apparent completeness in social-religious terms, sharpening the later critique that exclusion of Śiva renders it metaphysically deficient.
Significance: Didactic value: reinforces that dharma is not merely a sum of authorities present, but alignment with Pati (Śiva) and humility.
FAQs
By naming revered ṛṣis, the text establishes an authentic transmission of Śiva-kathā: sacred knowledge is received through attentive listening (śravaṇa) in the company of the wise, which supports bhakti and steadies the mind toward Śiva.
Although this verse is a roster of sages, it frames the devotional setting in which teachings on Saguna Śiva—especially Linga worship and prescribed observances—are heard, preserved, and practiced through a reliable lineage.
The implied practice is śravaṇa and kīrtana of Śiva Purāṇa in satsanga; as a simple takeaway, one may listen/recite Śiva-kathā and accompany it with japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya.”