Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 23
पूजास्थानशुद्धिः पात्रशोधनं च — Purification of the Worship-Space and Preparation of Ritual Vessels
तस्याः पुरस्तादुत्कंठमनंतं कुण्डलाकृतिम् । धवलं पञ्चफणिनं लेलिहानमिवाम्बरम्
tasyāḥ purastādutkaṃṭhamanaṃtaṃ kuṇḍalākṛtim | dhavalaṃ pañcaphaṇinaṃ lelihānamivāmbaram
Devant elle apparut Ananta (Śeṣa), se dressant le cou arqué, lové comme un anneau d’oreille—d’une blancheur éclatante, portant cinq capuchons, comme s’il léchait le ciel de ses langues.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
FAQs
Ananta (Śeṣa) symbolizes the endless (ananta) ground of existence—time, continuity, and cosmic stability—before which the finite self stands in awe. In Shaiva Siddhānta terms, it hints that even the vast supports of the cosmos remain within the Lord’s order, while liberation comes by turning from the bound world (paśu–pāśa) toward Pati, Shiva.
The vivid, visible form of Ananta is a Saguna sign within the narrative world, preparing the mind for reverent focus. Like Linga-worship, it trains attention from awe of cosmic forms toward the One Lord who transcends them—Shiva as the inner ruler of all manifestations.
A practical takeaway is dhyāna: contemplate the vastness of Ananta as a reminder of the Lord’s immeasurable power, then steady the mind on Shiva with the Pañcākṣarī mantra (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”). If observing Mahāśivarātri, combine japa with Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and inward surrender to Pati.