Shloka 4
Kāla-vañcana (Overcoming/Outwitting Time) and the Pañcabhūta Basis of the Body
शंकर उवाच । शृणु देवि प्रवक्ष्यामि पृष्टोहं यत्त्वया शिवे । समासेन च सर्वेषां मानुषाणां हितार्थतः
śaṃkara uvāca | śṛṇu devi pravakṣyāmi pṛṣṭohaṃ yattvayā śive | samāsena ca sarveṣāṃ mānuṣāṇāṃ hitārthataḥ
Śaṅkara said: O Goddess, listen. O auspicious Śivā, I shall declare what you have asked of me—briefly, for the welfare of all human beings.
Lord Shiva (Shankara)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Significance: Models the archetype of Śiva as compassionate teacher: the fruit of śravaṇa (listen) leading to welfare (hita) and ultimately mokṣa.
Shakti Form: Umā
Role: teaching
FAQs
It establishes Shiva as the compassionate Guru who answers Devi’s question not merely for dialogue, but for the upliftment of all beings—teaching that true knowledge is given for loka-hita (universal welfare) and leads the bound soul (paśu) toward Shiva (Pati).
By presenting Shiva as a speaking, instructing Lord, the verse frames Saguna Shiva as accessible and grace-giving; such instruction typically culminates in practical worship—often centered on the Linga as the most universal, non-sectarian emblem through which devotees approach the Nirguna reality.
The immediate practice implied is śravaṇa (reverent listening) and concise contemplation of Shiva’s teaching; as Uma Saṃhitā commonly supports mantra and devotion, this listening is naturally paired with japa of “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” and focused remembrance of Shiva for inner purification.