Shloka 6

Indra’s Account: Shilada’s Tapas and Shiva’s Manifestation as Nandi

Devanagari script

तपतस्तस्य तपसा प्रभुस्तुष्टाथ शङ्करः तुष्टस्तवेत्यथोवाच सगणश्चोमया सह

Transliteration

tapatastasya tapasā prabhustuṣṭātha śaṅkaraḥ tuṣṭastavetyathovāca sagaṇaścomayā saha

Translation

Comme il poursuivait ses austérités, le Seigneur Śaṅkara — le Pati souverain — fut satisfait par ce tapas. Alors, accompagné de Ses gaṇas et avec Umā, Il déclara : «Je suis satisfait de toi.»

Word by Word

• tapatas: of the one performing austerity

• tasya: of him

• tapasā: by (his) austerity/tapas

• prabhuḥ: the Lord, sovereign

• tuṣṭaḥ: pleased

• atha: then

• śaṅkaraḥ: Śaṅkara (Śiva)

• tuṣṭaḥ: pleased

• tava: with you/for you

• iti: thus

• atha: then

• uvāca: said/spoke

• sa-gaṇaḥ: together with (His) gaṇas

• ca: and

• umayā saha: along with Umā (Pārvatī)

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating the episode; Shiva speaks within the narrative)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Shankara
• Uma
• Parvati
• Ganas

FAQs

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

It shows the core principle behind Linga-Puja and Shaiva devotion: sincere tapas and worship draw the Pati (Shiva) to grant darśana and grace, which is the true “fruit” beyond outer ritual.

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

Shiva is presented as Prabhu/Pati—supreme and free—yet responsive to devotion. His pleasure (tuṣṭi) signifies anugraha-śakti, the liberating grace that loosens Pāśa for the Pāśu (bound soul).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Tapas (austerity) is emphasized as a Shaiva sādhanā aligned with Pāśupata discipline—inner heat, restraint, and steadfast practice culminating in Shiva’s direct acknowledgment and blessing.