Shloka 24

अध्याय 66: इक्ष्वाकुवंश-ऐलवंशप्रवाहः (त्रिशङ्कु-राम-ययात्यादि-प्रकरणम्)

Devanagari script

दिव्याक्षहृदयज्ञो वै राजा नलसखो बली नलौ द्वावेव विख्यातौ पुराणेषु दृढव्रतौ

Transliteration

divyākṣahṛdayajño vai rājā nalasakho balī nalau dvāveva vikhyātau purāṇeṣu dṛḍhavratau

Translation

Sesungguhnya raja yang perkasa—sahabat Nala—ialah orang yang mengetahui maksud batin Sang Bermata Ilahi (Śiva). Maka dua Nala itulah sahaja yang termasyhur dalam Purāṇa sebagai peneguh ikrar dan pemelihara vrata yang teguh.

Word by Word

• divya-akṣa: the Divine-Eyed (Śiva)

• hṛdaya-jñaḥ: knower of the heart/inner intent

• vai: indeed

• rājā: king

• nala-sakhaḥ: friend/companion of Nala

• balī: powerful, mighty

• nalau: the two (named) Nala(s)

• dvā eva: only two indeed

• vikhyātau: renowned, well-known

• purāṇeṣu: in the Purāṇas

• dṛḍha-vratau: firm in vows, steadfast in observances

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Nala

FAQs

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

It elevates dṛḍha-vrata (firm vow) as the qualifying discipline for approaching Śiva as Pati; Linga worship is validated not merely by outer ritual but by steadfast observance and inner purity.

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

Śiva is implied as divyākṣa—whose divine vision penetrates all—and as the one whose ‘heart’ or inner intent is knowable to the truly disciplined devotee, indicating Śiva-tattva as omniscient Pati beyond mere externalities.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The emphasis is on vrata-niyama (vowed observance) as a Shaiva sādhanā that weakens pāśa (bondage) for the paśu (soul), aligning with the Pāśupata stress on discipline, restraint, and unwavering commitment.