Shloka 17
नभगोपाख्यानम्
Nabhaga-Upākhyāna: The Account of Nabhaga and Shiva-Jñāna
तथापि दायभावेन दत्तोऽहं तैः प्रतारिभिः । तव वै जीवनोपाय वदामि शृणु तत्त्वतः
tathāpi dāyabhāvena datto'haṃ taiḥ pratāribhiḥ | tava vai jīvanopāya vadāmi śṛṇu tattvataḥ
Yet, those deceivers handed me over under the pretext of a rightful share. Now I shall tell you, in truth, the means for your very survival—listen carefully to the reality of it.
Suta Goswami (narrating the dialogue within Śatarudrasaṃhitā)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Role: teaching
FAQs
It emphasizes tattva—truth as the basis of right guidance—showing that even when wronged by deception, one should seek the proper upāya (right means) grounded in dharma and Shaiva discernment.
By stressing “tattvataḥ” (in truth), it aligns with approaching Saguna Shiva (such as Linga worship) not as mere ritual, but as a truthful, dharmic upāya that protects and uplifts the devotee in worldly and spiritual life.
The verse points generally to an upāya rather than naming a specific rite; in Shaiva practice this typically culminates in truthful, disciplined devotion—such as japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and steady dharmic conduct—as the sustaining means.