Shloka 17

Adhyaya 8: Yogasthanas, Ashtanga Yoga, Pranayama-Siddhi, and Shiva-Dhyana leading to Samadhi

Devanagari script

इह वैखानसानां च विदाराणां विशेषतः सदाराणां गृहस्थानं तथैव च वदामि वः

Transliteration

iha vaikhānasānāṃ ca vidārāṇāṃ viśeṣataḥ sadārāṇāṃ gṛhasthānaṃ tathaiva ca vadāmi vaḥ

Translation

Ici, je vous exposerai, en particulier, le mode de vie domestique approprié pour les Vaikhānasas et les Vidāras — ceux qui vivent en tant que chefs de famille mariés — afin que leur gṛhastha-dharma devienne un soutien à la dévotion envers le Pati, Shiva.

Word by Word

• iha: here (in this teaching)

• vaikhānasānām: of the Vaikhānasa tradition (Vedic household/āśrama order)

• ca: and

• vidārāṇām: of the Vidāras (a specific group/tradition, mentioned distinctly)

• viśeṣataḥ: especially, in particular

• sadārāṇām: of those with wives, married

• gṛhasthānam: the state/discipline of the householder life

• tathā eva: just so, likewise

• ca: and

• vadāmi: I speak, I shall explain

• vaḥ: to you (plural).

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya; contextual)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It frames gṛhastha-life as a defined discipline for married practitioners, implying that Shiva-worship (including Linga-pūjā and Vedic observances) can be properly established within household duties rather than only through renunciation.

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

By implying that household dharma should become a support for devotion to the Lord, it aligns with Shaiva Siddhanta’s view of Śiva as Pati—the supreme governor—whom the pashu (individual soul) approaches through right conduct and worship.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse introduces āśrama-based discipline—especially gṛhastha observance—setting up rules for daily rites and Shiva-oriented worship practices suitable for married householders (a practical foundation often paired with mantra, pūjā, and vrata rather than ascetic-only yoga).