Shloka 5
Śravaṇa–Kīrtana–Manana: Definitions and Hierarchy of Śaiva Sādhanā (श्रवणकीर्तनमनन-निरूपणम्)
सत्संगमेन भवति श्रवणं पुरस्तात्संकीर्तनं पशुपतेरथ तद्दृढं स्यात् । सर्वोत्तमं भवति तन्मननं तदंते सर्वं हि संभवति शंकरदृष्टिपाते
satsaṃgamena bhavati śravaṇaṃ purastātsaṃkīrtanaṃ paśupateratha taddṛḍhaṃ syāt | sarvottamaṃ bhavati tanmananaṃ tadaṃte sarvaṃ hi saṃbhavati śaṃkaradṛṣṭipāte
From holy association (satsanga) arises, first of all, attentive listening; then the steadfast practice of chanting the praises of Paśupati becomes firm. Thereafter, the highest is deep contemplation upon that teaching. Indeed, all becomes possible when Śaṅkara bestows his gracious glance.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Jyotirlinga: Viśvanātha
Sthala Purana: The verse’s emphasis on Śaṅkara’s dṛṣṭipāta (graceful glance) aligns with Kāśī’s theology where Viśvanātha grants liberation through His special favor; the sādhana-sequence (śravaṇa–kīrtana–manana) is framed as culminating in grace rather than mere effort.
Significance: Darśana and worship are held to accelerate bhakti and jñāna, culminating in Śiva’s anugraha; Kāśī is traditionally praised as a kṣetra where liberation is especially accessible by Śiva’s favor.
Type: stotra
FAQs
It outlines a Shaiva path of ascent—satsanga leading to śravaṇa (hearing), then saṅkīrtana (devotional praise), culminating in manana (deep contemplation), all consummated by Śiva’s anugraha (graceful glance).
Saṅkīrtana of Paśupati naturally supports Saguna worship—praising and remembering Śiva as the compassionate Lord—while manana matures that devotion into steady inner absorption, the heart of Linga-upāsanā.
Join satsanga, listen to Śiva-kathā, practice kirtan/japa of Śiva’s names (including the Panchakshara, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), and then sit for quiet contemplation (manana/dhyāna), praying for Śaṅkara’s grace.