Shloka 7

नन्दिकेश्वरोत्पत्तिः — Nandikesvara’s Origin, Shiva’s Boons, and the Rise of Sacred Rivers

Devanagari script

हस्तिनां चरितं चैव नराणां चैव लक्षणम् सम्पूर्णे सप्तमे वर्षे ततो ऽथ मुनिसत्तमौ

Transliteration

hastināṃ caritaṃ caiva narāṇāṃ caiva lakṣaṇam sampūrṇe saptame varṣe tato 'tha munisattamau

Translation

かくして象の行いと、人の相（しるし）とが説き明かされた。第七年が満ち終わると、二人の最勝の牟尼は、聖なる物語の歩みをさらに進めた。

Word by Word

• हस्तिनाम्: of elephants

• चरितम्: conduct, behavior, course of life

• च एव: and indeed

• नराणाम्: of men

• च एव: and also

• लक्षणम्: marks, characteristics, signs

• सम्पूर्णे: when completed, fully finished

• सप्तमे: in the seventh

• वर्षे: year

• ततः: then, thereafter

• अथ: then (narrative transition)

• मुनिसत्तमौ: the two best among sages

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrative voice to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Sages (Munis)

FAQs

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

It functions as a narrative bridge: after describing signs and conduct (required discipline for a seeker), the text moves forward—implying that inner and outer lakṣaṇa (ethical marks) support eligibility for Shiva-puja and approach to Pati (Shiva).

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

Indirectly: by emphasizing lakṣaṇa and right conduct, it aligns with Shaiva Siddhanta’s view that the Pashu (soul) must refine behavior and understanding to loosen Pāśa (bondage) and become fit for the grace of Pati (Shiva).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

No specific rite is named; the takeaway is preparatory discipline—lakṣaṇa-knowledge and regulated conduct—supporting later Shiva-puja and Pāśupata-oriented self-cultivation.