Shloka 8
Bhagīratha Brings Gaṅgā; Saudāsa’s Curse; Khaṭvāṅga’s Instant Renunciation
इत्युक्त्वा स नृपो देवं तपसातोषयच्छिवम् । कालेनाल्पीयसा राजंस्तस्येशश्चाश्वतुष्यत ॥ ८ ॥
ity uktvā sa nṛpo devaṁ tapasātoṣayac chivam kālenālpīyasā rājaṁs tasyeśaś cāśv atuṣyata
Après avoir parlé ainsi, le roi satisfit le dieu Śiva par des austérités. Ô roi Parīkṣit, en peu de temps le Seigneur Śiva fut promptement content de Bhagīratha.
The words āśv atuṣyata indicate that Lord Śiva was satisfied very soon. Therefore another name for Lord Śiva is Āśutoṣa. Materialistic persons become attached to Lord Śiva because Lord Śiva bestows benedictions upon anyone and everyone very quickly, not caring to know how his devotees prosper or suffer. Although materialistic persons know that material happiness is nothing but another side of suffering, they want it, and to get it very quickly they worship Lord Śiva. We find that materialists are generally devotees of many demigods, especially Lord Śiva and mother Durgā. They do not actually want spiritual happiness, for it is almost unknown to them. But if one is serious about being happy spiritually, he must take shelter of Lord Viṣṇu, as the Lord personally demands:
FAQs
This verse states that the king pleased Lord Śiva through tapasya (austerity), and that Śiva became satisfied quickly when approached with sincere discipline.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī is narrating to King Parīkṣit, indicated by the address “rājan” (O King).
Focused, sincere self-discipline offered with devotion—rather than scattered effort—can bring swift inner clarity and divine grace, as exemplified by the king’s concentrated austerity.