Shloka 33
नारदस्य विष्णूपदेशवर्णनम् — Nārada and Viṣṇu: Instruction after Delusion
निर्गुणत्वे शिवाह्वो हि परमात्मा महेश्वरः । परं ब्रह्माव्ययोऽनंतो महादेवेति गीयते
nirguṇatve śivāhvo hi paramātmā maheśvaraḥ | paraṃ brahmāvyayo'naṃto mahādeveti gīyate
In His attribute-less (nirguṇa) state, the Supreme Self—MahāĪśvara—is indeed called “Śiva.” He is the Supreme Brahman, imperishable and endless; therefore He is celebrated as “Mahādeva.”
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Type: stotra
FAQs
It identifies Shiva as the Supreme Reality (Para Brahman) beyond all limiting qualities—imperishable and infinite—showing that liberation is grounded in realizing Shiva as the highest Self, not merely as a worldly deity.
While the verse speaks of nirguṇa Shiva (beyond form and attributes), Shaiva tradition approaches this truth through saguna supports like the Śiva-liṅga, names, and hymns—using form to reach the formless Supreme.
Meditate on Shiva as the infinite, imperishable Paramatma while japa of the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) is performed—letting the mantra lead the mind from form-based devotion toward nirguṇa contemplation.