Shloka 42
द्विजानां च नमःपूर्वमन्येषां च नमोन्तकम् । स्त्रीणां च क्वचिदिच्छंति नमो तं च यथाविधि
dvijānāṃ ca namaḥpūrvamanyeṣāṃ ca namontakam | strīṇāṃ ca kvacidicchaṃti namo taṃ ca yathāvidhi
For the twice-born, the salutation is to be uttered with “namaḥ” placed at the beginning; for others, it is to be spoken with “namo” placed at the end. In certain cases, women also desire that same respectful salutation—therefore offer it properly, in the prescribed manner.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Significance: Clarifies rules of mantra-utterance and social-ritual propriety (vidhi), implying that correct form protects the sādhaka from ritual fault and preserves mantra’s efficacy.
Mantra: namaḥ… / …namo (as placement rule)
FAQs
It teaches that devotion to Shiva is supported by disciplined humility—offering respect correctly is a form of purification (śuddhi) that steadies the mind for bhakti and Shaiva worship.
Linga-worship emphasizes right procedure (vidhi) and reverence; this verse frames namaskāra as part of the outer discipline that nurtures inner devotion to Saguna Shiva and prepares the seeker for deeper realization.
Practice mindful namaskāra and respectful speech according to tradition while approaching Shiva’s worship—especially when beginning japa of the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and other rites.