नन्दाव्रत-समाप्तिः तथा शङ्करस्य प्रत्यक्ष-दर्शनम्
Completion of the Nandā-vrata and Śiva’s Direct Appearance
ततस्सोहं मुने तत्रागममत्यंतहर्षितः । उत्सुको लोकनिरतो गिरिशो यत्र संस्थितः
tatassohaṃ mune tatrāgamamatyaṃtaharṣitaḥ | utsuko lokanirato giriśo yatra saṃsthitaḥ
तेव्हा, हे मुने, मी अत्यंत हर्षाने परिपूर्ण होऊन तेथे गेलो; ज्या पवित्र लोकात गिरिश—भगवान् शिव—विराजमान होते, त्याचे दर्शन घेण्यास मी उत्सुक होतो।
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Sthala Purana: The verse describes Sūta’s movement toward the realm/abode where Girīśa abides; it is not tied to a specific Jyotirliṅga site in this passage.
Significance: General tīrtha-darśana motif: approaching Śiva’s presence is itself portrayed as joy-giving and spiritually elevating (darśana as a vehicle of grace).
The verse highlights the bhakta’s inner readiness—joy, eagerness, and focused intent—to attain Śiva-darśana. In Shaiva understanding, such single-pointed longing becomes a channel for Śiva’s grace (anugraha), transforming ordinary ‘seeing’ into liberating recognition of Pati, the Lord.
Girīśa ‘abiding’ points to Saguna Śiva approached through place, form, and presence—often centered on a Liṅga or consecrated shrine. The devotee’s movement toward where Śiva is ‘established’ mirrors temple worship: approaching, beholding, and receiving grace through a tangible focus of devotion.
The takeaway is cultivating utsukatā (eager longing) and smaraṇa (remembrance) before darśana—mentally repeating ‘Om Namaḥ Śivāya’ while approaching a shrine or sacred space, and maintaining focused attention (nirata) on Śiva rather than distractions.