Shloka 3

Śiva’s Boon to Viśvakarman and the Manifestation of Devī

Bhavānī/Parāśakti

Devanagari script

मनोहरतरोदारमधुरस्मितपूर्वया । संबभाषे सुसंपीतो विश्वकर्माणमीश्वरः

Transliteration

manoharatarodāramadhurasmitapūrvayā | saṃbabhāṣe susaṃpīto viśvakarmāṇamīśvaraḥ

Translation

With an even more captivating, generous, and sweet smile, the Lord Īśvara, well pleased, spoke to Viśvakarmā.

Word by Word

• मनोहरतरोदारमधुरस्मितपूर्वया: with a prior smile that was more charming, noble, and sweet
• मनोहरतरोदारमधुरस्मितपूर्वया: करण (instrument/manner)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: मनोहरतर + उदार + मधुर + स्मित + पूर्व (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, तृतीया, एकवचन; बहुपद-तत्पुरुषसमासः (…पूर्वया = preceded by a more charming, noble, sweet smile); करणवाचक (instrumental)

• संबभाषे: spoke
• संबभाषे: क्रिया (verb)
• Type: Verb
• Root: सम्√भाष् (धातु)
• Form: लिट् (Perfect), प्रथमपुरुष (3rd person), एकवचन; परस्मैपद

• सुसंपीतः: well-pleased
• सुसंपीतः: विशेषण (of ईश्वरः)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: सु + सम्√पी (धातु)
• Form: भूतकर्मणि कृदन्त (क्त/PPP), पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन; अर्थः: well-pleased/fully satisfied

• विश्वकर्माणम्: Viśvakarman
• विश्वकर्माणम्: कर्म (object)
• Type: Noun
• Root: विश्वकर्मन् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd/Accusative), एकवचन

• ईश्वरः: the Lord
• ईश्वरः: कर्ता (subject)
• Type: Noun
• Root: ईश्वर (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Shaiva Theology

Tattva Level: pati

Shiva Form: Sadāśiva

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Vishvakarma

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in the Shiva Purana?

It highlights Īśvara’s anugraha (grace): Shiva’s pleasing, compassionate disposition precedes divine instruction, showing that spiritual progress and sacred works unfold through the Lord’s favor, not mere effort.

How does this verse relate to the worship of the Linga or Saguna Shiva?

The verse presents Shiva as Saguna Īśvara—personally approachable, smiling, and speaking—affirming devotional relationship (bhakti) as a valid means to receive guidance for sacred forms, temples, and worship-supporting acts.

What ritualistic or meditative practice is suggested here?

A practical takeaway is to begin worship with a grace-invocation—mentally visualizing Shiva’s serene smile while repeating the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya)—seeking Īśvara’s approval before undertaking any vrata, japa, or temple-related service.