Shloka 26
मेना-शिवदर्शन-प्रस्थानम् | Menā’s Quest to Behold Śiva
Departure for Śiva’s Darśana
तं दृष्ट्वा शंकरस्सोऽयमिति सा प्राह मेनका । शक्रस्सुरपतिश्चायं नेति त्वं तदाब्रवीः
taṃ dṛṣṭvā śaṃkarasso'yamiti sā prāha menakā | śakrassurapatiścāyaṃ neti tvaṃ tadābravīḥ
त्याला पाहून मेनका म्हणाली—“हा निश्चयच शंकर आहे.” पण तू तेव्हा उत्तर दिलेस—“नाही; हा शंकर नाही, हा देवांचा अधिपती शक्र (इंद्र) आहे.”
Narrator (Sūta Gosvāmin) recounting the dialogue of Menakā and Himavān
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
It highlights discernment in recognizing Śiva’s unique supremacy: even when His appearance may resemble a deva, the devotee’s insight identifies Śaṅkara as Pati, distinct from all limited celestial authorities.
The verse supports Saguna devotion by showing Śiva as personally present and recognizable in form; it also implies that true worship distinguishes Śiva from other devas, aligning the devotee toward Śiva as the highest refuge, as symbolized by the Liṅga.
A practical takeaway is japa with the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) alongside contemplative viveka—mentally affirming Śiva as the supreme Lord beyond all deva-identities—before pūjā or dhyāna.