Shloka 23
ऋषभचरित्रवर्णनम् (Ṛṣabha-caritra-varṇanam) — “Account of Ṛṣabha’s Sacred Narrative”
तत्रापि कंकनामाहं साहाय्यं सवितुर्विधे । व्यासस्य हि करिष्यामि निवृत्तिपथवर्द्धकः
tatrāpi kaṃkanāmāhaṃ sāhāyyaṃ saviturvidhe | vyāsasya hi kariṣyāmi nivṛttipathavarddhakaḥ
There too, I—named Kaṅkana—shall render assistance to that Ordainer (Brahmā), the Sun-like Creator. Indeed, I will serve Vyāsa as one who increases the path of nivṛtti—the inward way of withdrawal that leads to liberation.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Role: teaching
Cosmic Event: cyclic descent/emanation to aid dharma and mokṣa (avatāra-like assistance across yugas)
FAQs
The verse highlights nivṛtti—the inward, renunciant orientation that culminates in liberation. From a Śaiva Siddhānta lens, it points to turning away from binding actions (pāśa) and moving toward Shiva’s grace-enabled freedom.
By emphasizing nivṛtti, it supports the purpose of Saguna Shiva worship (including Liṅga-upāsanā): disciplined devotion and purification that gradually turns the mind inward, making it fit for Shiva’s liberating knowledge and grace.
The practical takeaway is cultivation of nivṛtti through japa and inner withdrawal—especially steady mantra practice (such as the Panchākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) alongside simple, sattvic discipline that reduces outward cravings.