नन्दिकेश्वरोत्पत्तिः — Nandikesvara’s Origin, Shiva’s Boons, and the Rise of Sacred Rivers
पुत्रस्ते ऽयमिति प्रोच्य पादयोः संन्यपातयत् सा मामाघ्राय शिरसि पाणिभ्यां परिमार्जती
putraste 'yamiti procya pādayoḥ saṃnyapātayat sā māmāghrāya śirasi pāṇibhyāṃ parimārjatī
Sambil berkata, “Inilah anakmu,” baginda membuat aku tersungkur di kaki beliau. Lalu beliau menghidu ubun-ubunku dan dengan kedua-dua tangan mengusap serta membelai dengan lembut.
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages; internal scene narration)
It highlights humility and reverence (falling at the feet) as a foundational bhava that purifies the pashu (individual soul) before approaching Pati (Shiva) through Linga-puja.
Indirectly, it reflects Shiva-tattva through the lens of grace and tenderness: as worldly affection mirrors the deeper anugraha (bestowing of grace) by Pati that comforts and lifts the bound soul from pasha.
Prostration (pada-vandana/namaskara) is emphasized—an ethical-ritual discipline that supports Pashupata-oriented inner surrender and readiness for mantra, puja, and restraint.