Shloka 7
Ikṣvāku-vaṃśa-prasaṅgaḥ — Genealogy of the Ikṣvāku Line and Exempla of Royal Dharma
अरिनाभः ककुत्स्थस्य पृथुरेतस्य वै सुतः । विष्टराश्वः पृथोः पुत्रस्तस्मादिंद्रः प्रजापतिः
arinābhaḥ kakutsthasya pṛthuretasya vai sutaḥ | viṣṭarāśvaḥ pṛthoḥ putrastasmādiṃdraḥ prajāpatiḥ
Arinābha was the son of Kakutstha, and Pṛthuretā was indeed his son. Viṣṭarāśva was the son of Pṛthu, and from him was born Indra, the Prajāpati, lord of progeny.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse situates worldly authority (Prajāpatis and royal lineages) within the larger Shaiva vision: all generative power and governance of creation operate under the supreme Pati, Lord Shiva. Genealogy here functions as a reminder that karma and dharma unfold through lineage, yet liberation ultimately depends on turning from mere worldly succession to Shiva-centered devotion and knowledge.
Although the verse is genealogical, the Uma Saṃhitā frames such accounts within Shiva’s supremacy: even Indra as Prajāpati is not independent but empowered within the cosmic order upheld by Shiva. In Saguna worship—especially Linga worship—devotees recognize Shiva as the inner ruler beyond all offices like Indra and Prajāpati.
No specific rite is prescribed in this verse; the practical takeaway is to remember Shiva as the supreme Pati behind all worldly stations. A fitting Shaiva practice is steady japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) while offering water to the Linga, dedicating one’s lineage, duties, and results to Shiva.