Shloka 35
ऋषभचरित्रवर्णनम् (Ṛṣabha-caritra-varṇanam) — “Account of Ṛṣabha’s Sacred Narrative”
व्यासस्य ध्यायतस्तस्य निवृत्तिपथवृद्धये । तदाप्यहं भविष्यामि ऋषभो नामतः स्मृतः
vyāsasya dhyāyatastasya nivṛttipathavṛddhaye | tadāpyahaṃ bhaviṣyāmi ṛṣabho nāmataḥ smṛtaḥ
For the increase of Vyāsa’s path of renunciation, as he meditates, I too shall manifest at that very time—remembered by the name Ṛṣabha.
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Role: liberating
Cosmic Event: Śiva’s manifestation timed to a Vyāsa’s meditation, specifically to strengthen nivṛtti (withdrawal)
FAQs
The verse highlights Shiva’s grace as the inner guide: when a seeker like Vyāsa deepens meditation and turns toward nivṛtti (withdrawal from bondage), Shiva supports that ascent by manifesting in a suitable form, strengthening the movement toward liberation.
It affirms Saguna Shiva’s compassionate accessibility: the same Supreme (Pati) who is beyond form also assumes a form and name (Ṛṣabha) to uplift the devotee. This is the theological basis for worshipping Shiva through tangible symbols like the Liṅga while aiming at inner realization.
The direct practice implied is dhyāna (steady meditation) oriented to nivṛtti—turning inward from distractions. As a Shaiva support, one may pair meditation with japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) to cultivate renunciation and clarity.