Shloka 14

Bhūtavana–Kailāsa–Mandākinī–Rudrapurī: Śiva’s Jeweled Abodes and Perpetual Worship

Devanagari script

करालैर्हरिकेशैश् च रोमशैश् च महाभुजैः नानावर्णाकृतिधरैर् नानासंस्थानसंस्थितैः

Transliteration

karālairharikeśaiś ca romaśaiś ca mahābhujaiḥ nānāvarṇākṛtidharair nānāsaṃsthānasaṃsthitaiḥ

Translation

Mereka tampak menggerunkan, berambut perang kemerahan, berbadan berbulu kasar dan berlengan besar perkasa—memikul pelbagai warna dan rupa, serta berteguh dalam banyak bentuk dan keadaan, sebagai para pengiring Tuhan.

Word by Word

• करालैः: fearsome/terrifying

• हरिकेशैः: tawny-haired, having yellow-brown hair

• च: and

• रोमशैः: hairy, shaggy

• च: and

• महाभुजैः: with great/mighty arms

• नाना: various, many

• वर्ण: colors/complexions

• आकृति: forms/shapes

• धरैः: bearing/possessing

• नाना: many kinds

• संस्थान: bodily build/structure, configuration

• संस्थितैः: stationed/established, abiding

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Shiva’s Ganas

FAQs

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

It highlights that the Lord’s retinue manifests in countless forms—suggesting that Linga-puja is supported by many protective and transformative powers that remove obstacles and purify the worshipper.

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

By portraying fearsome, multi-formed attendants, the verse reflects Shiva-tattva as both awe-inspiring and protective—Pati whose śakti operates through diverse agencies to loosen pasha and uplift the pashu.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It implicitly supports Pashupata-oriented discipline: cultivating fearlessness and inner purification, while invoking Rudra’s protective forces (gana-shakti) during Linga-puja for obstacle-removal and steadiness in sadhana.