Shloka 71

Adhyaya 84: शिवव्रतकथनम्

Uma–Maheshvara Vrata, Shula-dana, and Month-wise Ekabhakta Vrata

Devanagari script

मार्गशीर्षकमासादिकार्तिकान्तं प्रवर्तितम् नरनार्यादिजन्तूनां हिताय मुनिसत्तमाः

Transliteration

mārgaśīrṣakamāsādikārtikāntaṃ pravartitam naranāryādijantūnāṃ hitāya munisattamāḥ

Translation

Oh, excelentísimos sabios, las observancias que comienzan en el mes de Mārgaśīrṣa y se extienden hasta el fin de Kārtika han sido instituidas para el bienestar de todos los seres—hombres, mujeres y otras criaturas—para que los paśu (almas ligadas) sean conducidos hacia la gracia de Śiva como Pati y hacia la libertad del pāśa (atadura).

Word by Word

• मार्गशीर्षक-मास-आदि: beginning with the month of Mārgaśīrṣa

• कार्तिक-अन्तम्: ending with (the close of) Kārtika

• प्रवर्तितम्: set in motion, ordained, instituted

• नर-नारी-आदि: men, women, and others

• जन्तूनाम्: of living beings/creatures

• हिताय: for the benefit, for welfare

• मुनि-सत्तमाः: O best among sages

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It frames month-based vrata and Shiva-puja (from Mārgaśīrṣa through Kārtika) as a universal welfare practice, implying that regulated devotion to the Linga is meant to uplift all beings, not only a select group.

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

By presenting the observances as instituted for the good of all creatures, the verse points to Śiva as Pati—the compassionate Lord whose grace-oriented discipline is designed to release the paśu (individual soul) from pāśa (bondage).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A structured cycle of vrata/niyama tied to sacred months—supporting regular Shiva-puja and self-restraint—functions as a practical Shaiva discipline aligned with Pāśupata ideals of purification and liberation.