Shloka 55

Bhāratavarṣa–Navabheda-Vyavasthā

The Nine Divisions of Bhāratavarṣa and Its Sacred Geography

Devanagari script

सुकुमारी कुमारी च नलिनी वेणुका तथा । इक्षुश्च रेणुका चैव गभस्तिस्सप्तमी तथा

Transliteration

sukumārī kumārī ca nalinī veṇukā tathā | ikṣuśca reṇukā caiva gabhastissaptamī tathā

Translation

She is Sukumārī, the exquisitely tender; Kumārī, the ever-virginal maiden; Nalinī, lotus-like; and Veṇukā, slender as a reed. She is also Ikṣu, sweet as sugarcane; Reṇukā, subtle as fine dust or pollen; and Gabhastī—the radiant ray—being the seventh name as well.

Word by Word

sukumārīSukumārī (name)

kumārīKumārī (name)

caand

nalinīNalinī (name)

veṇukāVeṇukā (name)

tathāalso/likewise

ikṣuḥIkṣu (name)

caand

reṇukāReṇukā (name)

caand

evaindeed

gabhastiḥGabhasti (name)

saptamīSaptamī (name)

tathāalso/likewise

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages at Naimisharanya)

Shaiva Theology

Tattva Level: pashu

Characters & Entities

Parvati

Shiva

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in the Shiva Purana?

This verse offers a garland of Devī’s epithets that contemplate her tenderness, purity, beauty, sweetness, subtlety, and radiance—qualities through which Śakti makes the grace of Śiva accessible to bound souls (paśu), guiding them toward purification and liberation.

How does this verse relate to the worship of the Linga or Saguna Shiva?

In Saguna worship, Śiva is adored together with Śakti (Umā). These names train the mind to perceive the Divine Presence as compassionate and luminous; such remembrance supports Linga-worship by stabilizing devotion (bhakti) and inner reverence rather than mere external ritual.

What ritualistic or meditative practice is suggested here?

Use these names as nāma-japa (repetition of epithets) before or after Linga-pūjā—optionally alongside the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—to cultivate a soft, radiant, and focused mind fit for meditation and devotion.