Shloka 41
नरकलोकमार्गयमदूतस्वरूपवर्णनम् / Description of the Path to Naraka and the Nature of Yama’s Messengers
याचमानाश्च सलिलमन्नं वापि बुभुक्षिताः । छायां प्रार्थयमानाश्च शीतार्ताश्चानलं पुनः
yācamānāśca salilamannaṃ vāpi bubhukṣitāḥ | chāyāṃ prārthayamānāśca śītārtāścānalaṃ punaḥ
Les uns imploraient de l’eau ; les affamés imploraient de la nourriture. D’autres demandaient de l’ombre, et ceux que le froid tourmentait demandaient encore du feu.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
The verse highlights human dependence and suffering—hunger, thirst, heat, and cold—pointing to the Shaiva Siddhanta view that the bound soul (paśu) seeks relief within worldly conditions, while true refuge is ultimately found in Pati (Shiva) through dharma and devotion.
By showing people pleading for basic supports of life, the text implicitly contrasts temporary aids with the lasting shelter of Saguna Shiva worship—approaching the Linga as the compassionate Lord who grants protection (rakṣā), sustenance, and inner steadiness beyond changing conditions.
Practice Shiva-centered charity and service (anna-dāna, jala-dāna, offering shelter), and accompany it with japa of the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” cultivating compassion as an expression of devotion.