Shloka 44
दधीचाश्रमगमनम् — Viṣṇu’s Disguise and Dadhīca’s Fearlessness
Kṣu’s Request
क्षुवो दीनतरो भूत्वा गत्वा तत्र मुनीश्वरम् । दधीचमभिवाद्यैव प्रार्थयामास विक्लवः
kṣuvo dīnataro bhūtvā gatvā tatra munīśvaram | dadhīcamabhivādyaiva prārthayāmāsa viklavaḥ
Kṣuva, becoming even more distressed, went there to the lordly sage. Having bowed at once to Dadhīci, he began to implore him, shaken and anxious.
Sūta Gosvāmi (narrating to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It highlights the Shaiva Siddhanta ethic of dainyabhāva (humble dependence): when one is troubled, one first bows with reverence and then prays sincerely, opening oneself to Shiva’s grace working through the realized sage.
Though the verse is about approaching a rishi, the same devotional posture applies to Saguna Shiva worship—pranama, surrender, and heartfelt petition before the Linga—recognizing Shiva as the compassionate Lord who responds through sacred persons and sacred rites.
The implied practice is respectful salutation (namaskāra) and prayerful surrender; as a Shaiva takeaway, one may offer prostration, recite the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” and seek guidance with a steady, humble mind.