Shloka 8

Devanagari script

चतुर्दिग्भ्यः समायातैस्संयुतं नृपनन्दतैः । नानावेषैस्सुशोभैश्च तत्कन्यावरणोत्सुकैः

Transliteration

caturdigbhyaḥ samāyātaissaṃyutaṃ nṛpanandataiḥ | nānāveṣaissuśobhaiśca tatkanyāvaraṇotsukaiḥ

Translation

From the four quarters came princes—the sons of kings—gathered together, radiant in diverse attire, eager to win the maiden’s hand.

Word by Word

चतुर्दिग्भ्यःfrom the four directions

समायातैःby those who had arrived

संयुतम्filled/attended (it was)

नृपनन्दतैःby princely youths (delighting kings)

नानाvarious

वेषैःwith costumes/attires

सुशोभैःvery splendid

चand

तत्of that (king)

कन्याdaughter

आवरणchoosing/accepting (as husband)

उत्सुकैःby those eager

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Shaiva Theology

Tattva Level: pashu

Characters & Entities

princes

kings

the maiden (kanyā)

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in the Shiva Purana?

It portrays worldly aspiration—status, beauty, and competition for marriage—setting the stage for Shiva Purana’s recurring teaching that destiny and divine grace (Śiva’s will) ultimately overrule mere royal power and outward display.

How does this verse relate to the worship of the Linga or Saguna Shiva?

Though the verse is narrative (princes arriving for a maiden), the Shiva Purana often uses such scenes to contrast external adornment with true auspiciousness (śivam). Devotion to Saguna Shiva—expressed through humility, vrata, and worship—becomes the inner qualification that surpasses social prestige.

What ritualistic or meditative practice is suggested here?

A practical takeaway is to replace mere outward show with inner preparation: daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and simple Shiva worship (offering water and bilva leaves), cultivating steadiness and purity of intention.