Shloka 7
नन्दिकेशावतारवर्णनम् (Nandikeśa Avatāra Varṇanam) — “Account of the Descent/Origin of Nandikeśvara”
शिलादमाह सुप्रीत्या शक्रस्तुष्टोऽस्मि तेऽनघ । तेन त्वं मुनिशार्दूल वरयस्व वरानिति
śilādamāha suprītyā śakrastuṣṭo'smi te'nagha | tena tvaṃ muniśārdūla varayasva varāniti
With heartfelt affection, Śakra (Indra) said to Śilāda: “O sinless one, I am pleased with you. Therefore, O tiger among sages, choose the boons you desire.”
Indra (Śakra)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse highlights that purity (anagha) and disciplined spiritual effort attract divine favor; even a deva like Indra responds with grace, setting the stage for a higher Shaiva outcome where worldly boons are ideally directed toward devotion and liberation.
Though Indra is the immediate giver, the Shiva Purana frames such boons as turning points that should culminate in Saguna Shiva-upasana—seeking blessings that support steadfast dharma, devotion, and ultimately Shiva’s grace, rather than merely transient enjoyments.
The takeaway is to approach worship with inner purity and focused tapas; in Shaiva practice this is commonly supported by japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and disciplined vrata-like observances, especially on Mahāśivarātri.