Shloka 20
नन्दिकेशावतारवर्णनम् (Nandikeśa Avatāra Varṇanam) — “Account of the Descent/Origin of Nandikeśvara”
वल्मीकेन वृतांगश्च लक्षकोटगणैर्मुनिः । सूचीमुखैश्चान्यै रक्तभुग्भिश्च सर्वतः
valmīkena vṛtāṃgaśca lakṣakoṭagaṇairmuniḥ | sūcīmukhaiścānyai raktabhugbhiśca sarvataḥ
Tubuh sang resi tertutup oleh gundukan semut (valmika), dan dari segala arah ia dikepung kawanan tak terhitung—serangga bermulut seperti jarum serta makhluk lain peminum darah.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Āghoramūrti
Significance: Extreme tapas amid bodily affliction illustrates endurance under pāśa (karmic and māyic limitation); the devotee’s steadfastness anticipates Śiva’s grace.
FAQs
It highlights the extremity of tapas: the seeker remains unmoved by bodily suffering, indicating mastery over the senses and single-pointed absorption that prepares one for Shiva’s grace and liberation.
Such unwavering endurance is presented as the inner discipline that makes Linga-worship fruitful—external pūjā becomes potent when supported by steadiness, self-restraint, and devotion to Saguna Shiva as the accessible form of the Supreme.
The takeaway is steadfast japa and dhyāna—especially Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya)—performed with endurance and detachment; one may support it with Shaiva marks like bhasma (Tripuṇḍra) and Rudrākṣa where appropriate.