Shloka 21
देवशरणागति-नारदप्रेषणम् | The Devas Take Refuge in Śiva; Nārada Is Sent
स तं संपूज्य विधिवद्दानवेन्द्रोऽति विस्मितः । सुप्रहस्य तदा वाक्यं जगाद मुनिसत्तमम्
sa taṃ saṃpūjya vidhivaddānavendro'ti vismitaḥ | suprahasya tadā vākyaṃ jagāda munisattamam
Having duly worshipped him according to proper rite, the lord of the Dānavas—greatly astonished—then spoke these words with a bright smile to that foremost of sages.
Dānavendra (the lord of the Dānavas), addressing a foremost sage
Tattva Level: pashu
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It highlights that even a powerful adversarial figure becomes inwardly refined through vidhivat (rule-based) reverence, showing that humility and proper conduct are essential supports for receiving higher wisdom—an attitude aligned with Shaiva dharma.
The verse emphasizes vidhivat pūjā—worship done with right procedure and devotion—mirroring the Shaiva principle that Saguna forms (like the Śiva-liṅga) are approached through disciplined ritual that purifies the mind and prepares one for deeper realization.
The takeaway is vidhivat upacāra-pūjā (disciplined worship): approach the sacred with purity, respectful offerings, and composed speech; as a Shaiva extension, one may pair this attitude with japa of “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” to steady devotion.