Shloka 15
Vaiśyanātha-avatāra-kathā
The Account of Śiva’s Manifestation as Vaiśyanātha
स बिभ्रद्भस्मनिचयं प्रकोष्ठे वरकंकणम् । महारत्नपरिस्तीर्णं राजते परकौतुकी
sa bibhradbhasmanicayaṃ prakoṣṭhe varakaṃkaṇam | mahāratnaparistīrṇaṃ rājate parakautukī
He, delighting in wondrous adornment, shines forth—bearing a heap of sacred ash (bhasma) and wearing upon His forearm an excellent bracelet, richly inlaid and spread with great gems.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva’s form to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
The verse presents Shiva as both the ascetic and the sovereign: bhasma signifies impermanence and dispassion (vairagya), while gem-studded ornaments indicate His lordship over all splendor—teaching that liberation arises from inner renunciation even amid outer glory.
It supports Saguna Shiva worship by describing His auspicious form and marks (especially bhasma), guiding devotees to approach the formless Pati through a compassionate, perceivable form—often worshiped through the Linga with bhasma, water, and mantra.
The verse points to bhasma-dhāraṇa (applying sacred ash/Tripundra) with remembrance of Shiva, cultivating detachment and devotion; it can be paired with japa of the Panchakshara mantra, “Om Namah Shivaya,” during daily worship or Mahashivratri observance.