Shloka 20
चित्ते विचिन्त्य स मुनिराप्नुयां कथमेनकाम् । स्वयंवरे नृपालानामेकं मां वृणुयात्कथम्
citte vicintya sa munirāpnuyāṃ kathamenakām | svayaṃvare nṛpālānāmekaṃ māṃ vṛṇuyātkatham
Pondering within his heart, the sage thought: “How shall I ever obtain this maiden I desire? In the svayaṃvara, amid many kings, how would she choose me alone?”
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It portrays the mind’s doubt and humility before destiny—worldly attainments (like marriage) are not secured by ego or status alone, but by merit and the unseen ordering of Śiva’s will.
Though not explicitly mentioning the Liṅga here, the verse sets a devotional subtext: when personal effort feels insufficient, the devotee turns from self-reliance to seeking the favor of Saguna Śiva, the Lord who governs outcomes in creation.
A practical takeaway is manasika-japa (mental repetition) of the Pañcākṣarī—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—to steady doubt and align one’s desire with dharma and Śiva’s grace.