Shloka 30

सोमवर्णनम्

Graha–Ratha–Aśva Varṇana, Dhruva-Nibaddha Gati, Maṇḍala-Pramāṇa, Graha-Arcana

Devanagari script

नक्षत्रेभ्यो बुधश्चोर्ध्वं बुधादूर्ध्वं तु भार्गवः वक्रस्तु भार्गवादूर्ध्वं वक्राद् ऊर्ध्वं बृहस्पतिः

Transliteration

nakṣatrebhyo budhaścordhvaṃ budhādūrdhvaṃ tu bhārgavaḥ vakrastu bhārgavādūrdhvaṃ vakrād ūrdhvaṃ bṛhaspatiḥ

Translation

Au-dessus des demeures lunaires (Nakṣatra) se trouve Mercure (Budha). Au-dessus de Mercure se trouve Vénus (Bhārgava). Au-dessus de Vénus se tient celui qui va en rétrogradation (Vakra, c’est-à-dire Mars). Au-dessus de Vakra se trouve Jupiter (Bṛhaspati).

Word by Word

• नक्षत्रेभ्यः: above the Nakṣatras (lunar mansions)

• बुधः: Budha (Mercury)

• च: and

• ऊर्ध्वम्: above

• बुधात्: than/above Budha

• तु: indeed

• भार्गवः: Bhārgava (Venus, Śukra)

• वक्रः: Vakra (the retrograde one

• भार्गवात्: than/above Bhārgava

• वक्रात्: than/above Vakra

• बृहस्पतिः: Bṛhaspati (Jupiter)

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating the cosmological hierarchy within the Linga Purana discourse)

Characters & Entities

• Budha
• Bhargava (Shukra)
• Vakra (Mangala/Mars)
• Brihaspati
• Nakshatras

FAQs

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

It situates the grahas and nakṣatras in a graded cosmic order, supporting the Shaiva idea that all celestial powers function as regulated instruments within Shiva’s (Pati’s) governance—useful for timing vrata, abhiṣeka, and temple rites in harmony with cosmic law (ṛta).

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

By presenting an ordered hierarchy of celestial spheres, the verse implies a higher, unseen regulator beyond the planets—Shiva as Pati, the transcendent Lord who upholds niyati (cosmic order) while remaining unbound by it, unlike pashus (souls) who are conditioned by time and cycles.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Nakṣatra–graha awareness for sādhana: selecting auspicious timings for Shiva-pūjā and using the contemplation of cosmic hierarchy as a Pāśupata-style discipline to steady the mind, reducing pasha (bondage) created by restless time-bound desire.