Shloka 25
Ikṣvāku-vaṃśa-prasaṅgaḥ — Genealogy of the Ikṣvāku Line and Exempla of Royal Dharma
इत्युक्त्वा पुत्रमादिश्य ययौ स तपसे नृपः । कुवलाश्वश्च सोत्तङ्को ययौ धुन्धुविनिग्रहे
ityuktvā putramādiśya yayau sa tapase nṛpaḥ | kuvalāśvaśca sottaṅko yayau dhundhuvinigrahe
こう語って子に命じたのち、王は苦行（タパス）を修するために去った。クヴァラーシュヴァは聖仙ウッタンカとともに、ドゥンドゥを征服し滅するため出立した。
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Rudra
FAQs
It presents the Shaiva ethic of harmonizing tapas (inner purification) with dharma (righteous action): the king turns inward through austerity, while Kuvalāśva, guided by a rishi, confronts destructive forces—both paths supporting the soul’s movement toward Shiva (Pati) and freedom from bonds (pāśa).
Though the Linga is not named here, the verse reflects Saguna Shiva’s governance of cosmic order: sages and kings act as instruments of that order—penance sanctifies the devotee, and the subduing of a demon symbolizes removing obstacles that hinder devotion and right worship.
The verse implies tapas as a core practice—regular japa of the Panchakshara ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya"), disciplined vrata, and meditative restraint of the senses—paired with dharmic action; this is a practical takeaway for Mahāśivarātri observance as well.