Shloka 44

शिवार्चनविधिः — देवतानां पाशुपतव्रतप्राप्तिः तथा पशुपाशविमोक्षणम् (अध्याय ८०)

Devanagari script

अथ तस्य विमानस्य द्वारि संस्थं गणेश्वरम् नन्दिनं ददृशुः सर्वे देवाः शक्रपुरोगमाः

Transliteration

atha tasya vimānasya dvāri saṃsthaṃ gaṇeśvaram nandinaṃ dadṛśuḥ sarve devāḥ śakrapurogamāḥ

Translation

അപ്പോൾ ആ വിമಾನದ വാതിലിൽ നിലകൊണ്ടിരുന്ന ഗണേശ്വരനായ നന്ദിയെ, ശക്രൻ മുൻപന്തിയിലായ എല്ലാ ദേവന്മാരും കണ്ടു.

Word by Word

• अथ (atha): then

• तस्य (tasya): of that

• विमानस्य (vimānasya): of the aerial palace/chariot

• द्वारि (dvāri): at the door/gate

• संस्थम् (saṃstham): stationed/standing

• गणेश्वरम् (gaṇeśvaram): lord of the gaṇas (Śiva’s hosts)

• नन्दिनम् (nandinam): Nandin (Nandi)

• ददृशुः (dadṛśuḥ): saw/beheld

• सर्वे (sarve): all

• देवाः (devāḥ): the gods

• शक्रपुरोगमाः (śakra-purogamāḥ): having Śakra (Indra) in front/led by Indra

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Nandin
• Indra (Shakra)
• Devas
• Shiva (implied by gaṇas and vimāna)

FAQs

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

It highlights the proper “approach” to Śiva: before reaching the Lord (Pati) one encounters His foremost attendant Nandin, symbolizing reverence, permission, and disciplined entry into Śaiva worship—much like beginning linga-pūjā with gatekeeping vows, purity, and devotion.

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

Śiva-tattva is implied as sovereign and transcendent: even the Devas, led by Indra, must approach His abode and meet His gaṇa-lord at the threshold, indicating that Pati is beyond worldly hierarchy and is accessed through His ordained order (gaṇas, dharma, and devotion).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse points to dvara-maryādā (threshold discipline): approaching the divine with humility and order. In a Śaiva frame, it echoes Pāśupata-style restraint and preparatory observances—self-control and reverent entry—before direct engagement in pūjā or inner contemplation.