Shloka 20
Pitṛbhakti and Śrāddha: The Classification of Pitṛs and the Superiority of Pitṛ-kārya
उपयुज्य च गां सर्वे गुरोस्तस्य न्यवेदयन् । शार्दूलेन हता धेनुर्वत्सा वै गृह्यतामिति
upayujya ca gāṃ sarve gurostasya nyavedayan | śārdūlena hatā dhenurvatsā vai gṛhyatāmiti
After making use of the cow’s service, they all reported the matter to their teacher: “The milch-cow has been killed by a tiger; therefore, let the calf be taken in and cared for.”
Suta Goswami (narrating the Uma-saṃhitā account to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahākāla
FAQs
It highlights dharma expressed as responsibility and compassion: when support is lost (the cow), one must still protect what remains (the calf), reflecting Shaiva ethics of right conduct that purifies the pashu (bound soul) and prepares it for Shiva’s grace.
While not naming the Liṅga directly, the verse supports Saguna Shiva devotion by emphasizing dharmic living—care, truthfulness, and accountability to the guru—which the Purana treats as the practical foundation that makes ritual worship fruitful and grace-bearing.
The implied practice is dharma-sādhana: truthful reporting, service to the guru, and compassionate protection of dependents; this can be paired with simple Shaiva daily observances like japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) while cultivating non-harm and responsibility.