Shloka 51
Arjuna’s Mantra-Empowerment and the Pāṇḍavas’ Separation (Śiva-rūpa through Mantra)
इंद्र उवाच । वरं वृणीष्व हे तात धनंजय महामते । यदिच्छसि मनोभीष्टन्नादेयं विद्यते तव
iṃdra uvāca | varaṃ vṛṇīṣva he tāta dhanaṃjaya mahāmate | yadicchasi manobhīṣṭannādeyaṃ vidyate tava
Indra said: “O dear one—Dhanañjaya, wise and noble—choose a boon. Whatever you desire, even what your heart most longs for, is not beyond being granted to you.”
Indra
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Role: nurturing
FAQs
The verse highlights the Purāṇic theme that worldly powers (like Indra) can offer limited fulfillments, prompting the seeker to choose wisely—ideally turning desire toward Shiva-bhakti and liberation rather than transient gains.
Even when devas grant boons, the Shiva Purana repeatedly frames lasting auspiciousness as arising from devotion to Saguna Shiva (Linga-worship, pūjā, and surrender), because boons are impermanent while Shiva’s grace leads toward steadiness and moksha.
A practical takeaway is to sanctify one’s “asked-for boon” through Shiva-upāsanā—daily japa of the Panchākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and simple Linga-pūjā—so desires are refined into devotion and inner freedom.