Shloka 38
Śumbha–Niśumbha-pīḍā and Devastuti to Durgā/Śivā
Names and Forms of the Devī
स्त्रीरत्नं त्वामहं मन्ये सर्वरत्नोपरि स्थितम् । सा त्वं ममानुजं मां वा भजतात्कामजै रसैः
strīratnaṃ tvāmahaṃ manye sarvaratnopari sthitam | sā tvaṃ mamānujaṃ māṃ vā bhajatātkāmajai rasaiḥ
I consider you a jewel among women, standing above all other treasures. Therefore, may you accept—according to your desire—either my younger brother or me, and take delight in the pleasures born of love.
A male narrator/kingly figure within the Uma-saṁhitā dialogue (contextual speaker addressing a woman)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: liberating
FAQs
The verse highlights worldly attraction (kāma) and choice, serving as a narrative contrast to Shaiva Siddhanta’s higher aim: turning from transient rasa (sense-delight) toward devotion to Pati (Shiva) for liberation.
By showing the pull of desire and social proposals, the text implicitly points to the need for steadiness (niyama) and purification; Saguna Shiva worship (Linga-upāsanā) is presented elsewhere in the Purana as the means to sublimate desire into bhakti.
No direct ritual is prescribed in this line; as a practical takeaway, Shaiva practice would recommend japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and disciplined conduct to master kāma rather than be mastered by it.