Shloka 45
एकोनविंशतिशिवावतारवर्णनम्
Description of the Nineteen Manifestations/Avatāras of Śiva
तदाप्यहं भविष्यामि योगात्मा योगमायया । लोकविस्मापनार्थाय ब्रह्मचारिशरीरकः
tadāpyahaṃ bhaviṣyāmi yogātmā yogamāyayā | lokavismāpanārthāya brahmacāriśarīrakaḥ
“Even then, by My Yogamāyā, I shall manifest as the very Self of Yoga, assuming the body of a brahmacārin (celibate ascetic) in order to bewilder the worlds (and conceal My true divine intent).”
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Bhairava
Role: teaching
Cosmic Event: Tirodhāna via Yogamāyā: deliberate concealment to regulate adhikāra and karmic unfolding
FAQs
It teaches that Shiva, though transcendent, freely assumes a Saguna form through Yogamāyā to guide beings—sometimes by veiling His identity—so the world learns discernment, humility, and the deeper truth of Yoga leading toward liberation.
The verse supports Saguna worship: Shiva can be approached through revealed forms (including ascetic forms like a brahmacārin), while the Linga remains the timeless sign of His Nirguna reality. Both point to the same Pati (Lord) who reveals and conceals by His power.
It points toward yogic sādhana—steady meditation on Shiva as the inner Self (yogātmā)—supported by Shaiva disciplines such as japa of the Panchākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and cultivating brahmacarya (sense-restraint) as a foundation for inner clarity.