Shloka 4
Sunartaka-Naṭa Avatāra and Pārvatī’s Boon-Request (Śiva as the Testing Benefactor)
स्वरूपन्दर्शयामास तस्यै सुप्रीतमानसः । वरम्ब्रूहीति चोवाच तां शिवां शंकरो मुने
svarūpandarśayāmāsa tasyai suprītamānasaḥ | varambrūhīti covāca tāṃ śivāṃ śaṃkaro mune
O sage, Śaṅkara, his heart wholly pleased, revealed his true form to that auspicious goddess and said to her, “Speak—choose a boon.”
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages; reporting Shiva’s words)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Sthala Purana: ‘Revealing svarūpa’ parallels many shrine legends where Śiva first appears disguised and then discloses his true form; here it is a generalized purāṇic revelation scene.
Significance: Darśana of Śiva’s svarūpa is itself anugraha; it signals the lifting of tirodhāna (concealment) for the devotee deemed fit.
Mantra: varam brūhi
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: liberating
FAQs
It highlights Śiva’s anugraha (grace): when devotion ripens, the Lord reveals his svarūpa (true presence) and becomes varada—inviting the devotee to ask a boon, showing the compassionate Pati who liberates and blesses.
The verse reflects Saguna Śiva—approachable and responsive—who grants darśana and boons. In Linga worship, this same grace is sought through pūjā, where the formless is honored through a sacred form and the devotee receives Śiva’s favor.
A practical takeaway is bhakti with darśana-bhāva: daily Linga pūjā with the Panchākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” seeking Śiva’s presence and surrendering one’s wish as an offering aligned with dharma.