Shloka 15
Arjuna’s Mantra-Empowerment and the Pāṇḍavas’ Separation (Śiva-rūpa through Mantra)
वार्तायां क्रियमाणायान्तेन व्यासेन सन्मुने । सुप्रणम्य विनीतात्मा धर्मराजोऽब्रवीदिदम्
vārtāyāṃ kriyamāṇāyāntena vyāsena sanmune | supraṇamya vinītātmā dharmarājo'bravīdidam
O noble sage, as that Vyāsa, the virtuous muni, continued the discourse, Dharma-rāja (Yama), having bowed deeply with a humble heart, spoke these words.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Purana to the sages; introducing Yama’s speech)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Tatpuruṣa
Significance: Humility (vinaya) and praṇāma before the guru is portrayed as the doorway through which concealed dharma (tirodhāna) is lifted and right understanding arises.
FAQs
The verse highlights vinaya (humility) as a prerequisite for receiving and transmitting sacred knowledge—an essential Shaiva virtue where ego is softened so devotion to Pati (Shiva) and reverence for dharma can mature.
Though the verse is narrative, it frames the proper inner posture for Saguna Shiva worship—deep pranama and a disciplined mind—through which Linga-upasana becomes fruitful and aligned with dharma.
It suggests the practice of sincere pranama with humility before recitation or listening (śravaṇa) of Shiva-kathā; as a simple takeaway, begin worship with reverent bowing and a settled, vinīta mind before japa or puja.