Shloka 45
Śiva–Arjuna Yuddha and the Subjugation of Pride (Śiva-parīkṣā)
गुणानान्ते न संख्यास्ति यथा भूरजसामिह । आकाशे तारकाणां हि कणानां वृष्ट्यपामपि
guṇānānte na saṃkhyāsti yathā bhūrajasāmiha | ākāśe tārakāṇāṃ hi kaṇānāṃ vṛṣṭyapāmapi
There is no reckoning of the Lord’s qualities, for they are without end—just as the grains of dust upon the earth are beyond counting, as are the stars in the sky, and even the countless droplets in a rainfall.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Sthala Purana: General stuti: Śiva’s guṇas/attributes are ananta (endless), illustrated by dust, stars, and raindrops—cosmic-scale praise rather than site-specific legend.
Significance: Cultivates mahimā-jñāna (sense of divine greatness), a bhakti support that weakens egoic limitation (aṇava) and prepares receptivity to anugraha.
Mantra: गुणानान्ते न संख्यास्ति यथा भूरजसामिह । आकाशे तारकाणां हि कणानां वृष्ट्यपामपि
Type: stotra
Role: nurturing
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It teaches that Shiva’s divine attributes are immeasurable; recognizing their infinity humbles the ego and turns the mind toward bhakti and surrender, which Shaiva tradition holds to be a direct aid to liberation.
The verse supports Saguna worship by affirming that Shiva’s manifest qualities and forms are countless; the Linga becomes a focused, accessible symbol through which devotees contemplate that limitless greatness.
Japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) while mentally enumerating Shiva’s guṇas—compassion, lordship, grace—helps stabilize devotion; offering bhasma (Tripuṇḍra) or water to the Linga can be paired with this contemplation.