Shloka 10
नारीसन्देहभञ्जक-शम्भ्ववतारकथा
The Account of Śambhu’s Incarnation that Dispels Doubts Concerning Women
तत्रागत्य प्रिया राज्ञस्संतप्ता सुकुमारिणी । निवासार्थं सरस्तीरे छायावृक्षमुपाश्रयत्
tatrāgatya priyā rājñassaṃtaptā sukumāriṇī | nivāsārthaṃ sarastīre chāyāvṛkṣamupāśrayat
Having come there, the king’s beloved—tender and delicate, yet afflicted with grief—took refuge beneath a shady tree on the lake’s bank, seeking a place to dwell.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
FAQs
The verse highlights śaraṇāgati—seeking refuge when afflicted. In Shaiva understanding, outer shelter mirrors the inner act of turning the mind toward Lord Shiva, the Pati who releases the bound soul (paśu) from sorrow-born bondage (pāśa).
Though the Linga is not explicitly named here, the narrative mood prepares for Saguna-upāsanā: when worldly support fails, one seeks a stable refuge. In Shiva Purana, such moments commonly lead the devotee toward Shiva’s compassionate presence—often approached through Linga worship, japa, and vrata.
A practical takeaway is to sit in a quiet, shaded place and do Panchakshara japa—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—with steady breath and remembrance of Shiva as the inner refuge; if following household practice, accompany it with vibhūti (tripuṇḍra) and simple offering of water.