Shloka 13
Arjuna’s Mantra-Empowerment and the Pāṇḍavas’ Separation (Śiva-rūpa through Mantra)
कियत्कालं वसात्रैव दुःखनाशाय नः प्रभो । दर्शनात्तव विप्रर्षेस्सर्वं दुःखं विलीयते
kiyatkālaṃ vasātraiva duḥkhanāśāya naḥ prabho | darśanāttava viprarṣessarvaṃ duḥkhaṃ vilīyate
O Lord, how long will you dwell here solely to destroy our suffering? O foremost sage among the brāhmaṇas—by merely beholding you, all sorrow is dissolved.
A devotee/supplicant addressing a revered brahmin-sage in the Shatarudrasaṃhitā narrative (as relayed by Suta Goswami to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
FAQs
The verse teaches that duḥkha (bondage-born sorrow) is not ultimately removed by external control alone, but by grace (anugraha) received through darśana—direct encounter with the sacred—which, in Shaiva understanding, turns the mind toward Pati (Shiva) and loosens pāśa (bondage).
It highlights the power of saguna-upāsanā: approaching Shiva in an accessible, worshipable form. Whether through the Linga or a manifest presence, darśana becomes the doorway for Shiva’s compassionate activity—dissolving grief and steadying devotion.
Prioritize darśana and inner reverence: visit a Shiva temple or Linga, take focused darśana, and silently repeat the Panchākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with the intention of duḥkha-nāśa; conclude with a brief prayer asking Shiva to remain present in the heart.