Shloka 40
Ikṣvāku-vaṃśa-prasaṅgaḥ — Genealogy of the Ikṣvāku Line and Exempla of Royal Dharma
धौंधुमारिर्दृढाश्वो यो हर्य्यश्वस्तस्य चात्मजः । हर्यश्वस्य निकुंभोभूत्पुत्रो धर्मरतस्सदा
dhauṃdhumārirdṛḍhāśvo yo haryyaśvastasya cātmajaḥ | haryaśvasya nikuṃbhobhūtputro dharmaratassadā
Dhauṃdhumāri was (also known as) Dṛḍhāśva, and he was the son of Haryyaśva. From Haryyaśva was born a son named Nikuṃbha, who was always devoted to dharma.
Suta Goswami
FAQs
It highlights a dharmic lineage—exalting steadfastness and continual devotion to righteousness as the foundation for spiritual merit (puṇya) and readiness for Shiva’s grace.
Though genealogical, the Shiva Purana frames righteous kingship as supportive of Saguna Shiva worship—upholding dharma enables preservation of Shiva’s rites, temples, and vows that lead devotees toward Pati (Shiva).
The implied takeaway is dharma-niṣṭhā (steadfast ethical living) alongside regular Shaiva practice—daily japa of the Pañcākṣara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and observance of purity and vows where applicable.