Shloka 2
नारदस्य विष्णूपदेशवर्णनम् — Nārada and Viṣṇu: Instruction after Delusion
गतयोर्गणयोश्शंभोस्स्वयमात्मेच्छया विभोः । किं चकार मुनिः क्रुद्धो नारदः स्मरविह्वलः
gatayorgaṇayośśaṃbhossvayamātmecchayā vibhoḥ | kiṃ cakāra muniḥ kruddho nāradaḥ smaravihvalaḥ
As Śambhu’s two hosts of gaṇas proceeded, set in motion by the Lord’s own sovereign will, what did the sage Nārada do—angered and inwardly shaken by the power of Kāma (desire)?
Sūta Gosvāmin
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
The verse contrasts Śiva’s sovereign will (īcchā-śakti) that governs cosmic movement with Nārada’s agitation under desire, highlighting that liberation arises when the soul aligns with the Lord’s will rather than being driven by Smara.
By portraying Śambhu as Vibhu who directs events by His own will, it supports Saguna worship—devotees approach the Linga as the compassionate, intentional Lord who orders creation and guides devotees beyond passion and confusion.
A practical takeaway is japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” to steady the mind when desire arises, supported by Shaiva disciplines like Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and rudrākṣa as reminders of dispassion and Śiva-centered awareness.