Shloka 15
Ravana’s Austerities, the Gods’ Refuge, and the Decree of Rama’s Incarnation
गणकोटिसहस्रैस्तु सेवितं मोदशालिभिः । नग्नैर्विरूपैः कुटिलैर्धूसरैर्विकटैस्तथा
gaṇakoṭisahasraistu sevitaṃ modaśālibhiḥ | nagnairvirūpaiḥ kuṭilairdhūsarairvikaṭaistathā
ते आनंदमय कोटी-हजारो गणांनी सेवित होते— जे नग्न, विरूप, कुटिल, धुळीने माखलेले आणि विकराळही होते.
Unspecified in the provided excerpt (context needed to confirm the dialogue frame, e.g., Pulastya–Bhīṣma or Śiva–Pārvatī).
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Type: celestial_realm
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गणकोटिसहस्रैः+तु → गणकोटिसहस्रैस्तु; नग्नैः+विरूपैः → नग्नैर्विरूपैः; कुटिलैः+धूसरैः → कुटिलैर्धूसरैः; धूसरैः+विकटैः → धूसरैर्विकटैः
FAQs
Gaṇas are the attendant hosts associated with Śiva—often portrayed as wild, formidable beings who serve as his entourage and guardians.
The imagery emphasizes their otherworldly, liminal nature—beings outside ordinary social norms—highlighting the awe and dread associated with Śiva’s domain and retinue.
The verse conveys a Śaiva, awe-inspiring tone that underscores the power, strangeness, and majesty of Śiva’s cosmic entourage rather than polite or courtly divinity.