Shloka 38
Umā-caritra-prārthanā: Ṛṣayaḥ Sūtaṃ Pṛcchanti
Request for the Account of Umā
भ्रातॄणां भ्रातृपुत्राणां परेषां सुहृदां तथा । न वेद्मि कुशलं सम्यक्करुणासागर प्रभो
bhrātṝṇāṃ bhrātṛputrāṇāṃ pareṣāṃ suhṛdāṃ tathā | na vedmi kuśalaṃ samyakkaruṇāsāgara prabho
O Lord, ocean of compassion, I do not truly know the welfare of my brothers, my brothers’ sons, and also my other well-wishers.
A devotee/supplicant addressing Lord Shiva (inferred from the vocative 'prabho' and epithet 'karuṇāsāgara')
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Significance: Invokes Śiva as karuṇāsāgara; such remembrance is framed in Śaiva devotion as a doorway to anugraha (grace) that loosens karmic bonds and heals relational suffering.
Mantra: karuṇāsāgara prabho
Type: stotra
Role: nurturing
FAQs
The verse expresses a devotee’s surrender: worldly concern for relatives is offered to Shiva, the compassionate Lord (Pati), acknowledging one’s limited knowledge and seeking divine guardianship and grace.
By addressing Shiva as a personal Lord (“Prabhu,” “ocean of compassion”), the verse exemplifies Saguna-bhakti—approaching Shiva in a relatable form and quality, as one would in Linga worship: placing one’s burdens and prayers before the Lord.
A practical takeaway is prayerful surrender during Shiva-puja—mentally offering family concerns at the Linga while repeating the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” cultivating trust in Shiva’s karuṇā (compassion).