Shloka 47
नन्दिकेशावतारवर्णनम् (Nandikeśa Avatāra Varṇanam) — “Account of the Descent/Origin of Nandikeśvara”
मानुष्यमास्थितं दृष्ट्वा पिता मे लोकपूजितः । विललापातिदुःखार्त्तः स्वजनैश्च समावृतः
mānuṣyamāsthitaṃ dṛṣṭvā pitā me lokapūjitaḥ | vilalāpātiduḥkhārttaḥ svajanaiśca samāvṛtaḥ
Seeing me established in a human state, my father—honoured by the world—lamented, afflicted by overwhelming sorrow, and surrounded by his own kinsmen.
Suta Goswami (narrating the episode as part of the Śatarudra-saṃhitā narrative)
Tattva Level: pashu
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga passage; the focus is the devotee’s human perception reacting to divine concealment—misreading grace as loss.
Significance: Highlights the paśu’s limitation: when divinity is veiled, even the virtuous may grieve; invites deeper discernment (viveka) and surrender.
FAQs
It highlights the contrast between worldly emotion and divine purpose: even when Shiva’s presence is perceived through a limited, human condition, devotees respond with intense attachment and grief—yet such moments ultimately steer the mind back toward Pati (Shiva) as the liberator beyond sorrow.
The verse reflects Saguna perception—Shiva apprehended through a form and circumstance. Linga-worship trains the devotee to see beyond changing states (human/divine, joy/grief) to the constant presence of Shiva symbolized by the Linga.
In grief or upheaval, steady remembrance (smaraṇa) of Shiva through the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” along with simple Linga-abhiṣeka or wearing Rudrākṣa, is a direct Shaiva remedy to stabilize the mind and turn sorrow toward devotion.