Shloka 21
Umā-caritra-prārthanā: Ṛṣayaḥ Sūtaṃ Pṛcchanti
Request for the Account of Umā
ततस्स निर्गतो राजा नगरान्मृगया छलात् । असहायोऽश्वमारुह्य जगाम गहनं वनम्
tatassa nirgato rājā nagarānmṛgayā chalāt | asahāyo'śvamāruhya jagāma gahanaṃ vanam
Then the king, using the pretext of a hunting expedition, went out from the city; alone and without attendants, he mounted his horse and proceeded into a dense forest.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse highlights how worldly motives (a “pretext” like hunting) can still become the doorway to divine orchestration, where karma leads one into situations that eventually turn the mind toward Pati (Lord Shiva) and away from mere royal comfort.
By emphasizing the king’s solitary entry into the forest, the narrative sets the stage for an encounter or turning point where Saguna Shiva’s grace often manifests through events in the world, drawing the individual from outward pursuits toward Shiva-upasana (including Linga worship).
The practical takeaway is cultivating deliberate solitude and inwardness—supporting japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and steady remembrance of Shiva, as one withdraws from distractions much like the king leaving the city’s bustle.