Shloka 17
दाक्षयज्ञप्रस्थान-प्रश्नः
Satī Inquires about the Departure for Dakṣa’s Sacrifice
शंभुरुवाच । किमर्थमागतात्र त्वं सभामध्ये सविस्मया । कारणं तस्य सुप्रीत्या शीघ्रं वद सुमध्यमे
śaṃbhuruvāca | kimarthamāgatātra tvaṃ sabhāmadhye savismayā | kāraṇaṃ tasya suprītyā śīghraṃ vada sumadhyame
Śambhu (Lord Śiva) said: “For what purpose have you come here, into the midst of this assembly, with such wonder upon you? Tell Me quickly—dear slender-waisted one—the reason for it, with a heart full of affection.”
Lord Shiva (Śambhu)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: teaching
FAQs
It highlights Śiva as the compassionate Pati (Lord) who invites truthful self-disclosure. The devotee’s inner state—wonder, longing, and affection—becomes a doorway to grace and right guidance, reflecting the Shaiva Siddhanta emphasis on Śiva’s anugraha (divine favor).
The verse portrays Saguna Śiva—personal, approachable, and responsive—who engages in dialogue for the devotee’s upliftment. In Linga worship, the same intimacy is expressed through offering, prayer, and honest intention (bhāva), to which Śiva responds with clarity and blessing.
A practical takeaway is to approach Śiva with a clear intention and loving sincerity—begin japa of the Panchakshara ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya"), then speak one’s prayer or purpose plainly before the Linga, maintaining steadiness and reverence (optionally with Tripuṇḍra and rudrākṣa as Shaiva markers).