Shloka 20

Adhyaya 44: Nandikesvara’s Manifestation and Abhisheka; The Rule of Namaskara in Shiva-Nama

Devanagari script

नैकस्तंभमयं चापि चामीकरवरप्रभम् मुक्तादामावलम्बं च मणिरत्नावभासितम्

Transliteration

naikastaṃbhamayaṃ cāpi cāmīkaravaraprabham muktādāmāvalambaṃ ca maṇiratnāvabhāsitam

Translation

そのリンガは、あたかも無数の柱より成るかのように現れ、精錬された黄金の至上の光輝に照り映え、垂れ下がる真珠の花鬘をまとい、宝石・貴石の光により燦然と輝いていた。かくして聖なるリンガ、すなわちパティ（主宰）の可視の徴が拝され、束縛されたパシュの魂を解脱へと引き寄せた。

Word by Word

• naika: many, not one

• stambha-mayam: made of pillars/column-like forms

• ca api: and also

• cāmīkara: gold

• vara-prabham: of excellent/supreme radiance

• muktā: pearls

• dāmā: garlands/strings

• avalambam: hanging down, suspended

• ca: and

• maṇi-ratna: gems and precious jewels

• avabhāsitam: shining forth, illuminated, made brilliant

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Linga

FAQs

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

It emphasizes the Linga as a consecrated, perceivable focus for devotion—adorned with gold, pearls, and jewels—supporting puja through beauty (śrī) that steadies the mind and directs the worshipper (pashu) to Pati, Shiva.

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

By presenting the Linga as self-manifest splendour—radiant and jewel-like—it points to Shiva-tattva as prakāśa (luminous consciousness) that becomes approachable through a sacred symbol without being limited by it.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Alankāra (ritual adornment) in Shiva-linga puja is implied—decorating with garlands and shining substances—paired with dhyāna: fixing awareness on the Linga’s radiance as a support for Pashupata-oriented inward recollection of Pati.