Shloka 23
Kālajñāna (Knowledge of Time) and Mṛtyu-cihna (Signs of Death): Śiva’s Instruction to Umā
दृष्टे ग्रहे च दिङ्मोहः षण्मासाज्जायते ध्रुवम् । उतथ्यं न ध्रुवं पश्येद्यदि वा रविमण्डलम्
dṛṣṭe grahe ca diṅmohaḥ ṣaṇmāsājjāyate dhruvam | utathyaṃ na dhruvaṃ paśyedyadi vā ravimaṇḍalam
もし凶なる相で惑星が見えるなら、六か月のあいだ方角の迷いが必ず起こる。北極星を見てはならず、また太陽の円輪を凝視してはならない。
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahadeva
Cosmic Event: inauspicious planetary sighting (graha-darśana) as nimitta
FAQs
It warns that fixation on powerful celestial phenomena can disturb inner steadiness, producing “diṅmoha” (loss of orientation). From a Shaiva Siddhanta lens, the aspirant should protect clarity of mind and sense-restraint while seeking Shiva, the true pole (Pati) beyond worldly influences.
Rather than chasing omens in planets or staring at the Sun and stars, the devotee is directed toward stable, dharmic practice—centering attention on Shiva’s worship (Linga, mantra, and disciplined conduct). The verse reinforces that spiritual orientation comes from devotion and right practice, not from sensory fascination.
Practice sense-restraint and steadiness: avoid harmful gazing, keep the mind inward, and stabilize devotion through japa (e.g., Om Namaḥ Śivāya), along with regular Shaiva purity disciplines such as bhasma-dhāraṇa (Tripuṇḍra) where appropriate.