Shloka 5

Adhyaya 44: Nandikesvara’s Manifestation and Abhisheka; The Rule of Namaskara in Shiva-Nama

Devanagari script

रथैर्नागैर्हयैश्चैव सिंहमर्कटवाहनाः विमानेषु तथारूढा हेमचित्रेषु वै गणाः

Transliteration

rathairnāgairhayaiścaiva siṃhamarkaṭavāhanāḥ vimāneṣu tathārūḍhā hemacitreṣu vai gaṇāḥ

Translation

रथैर्नागैर्हयैश्चैव सिंहमर्कटवाहनाः। विमानेषु तथारूढा हेमचित्रेषु वै गणाः॥ पतेः शिवस्य परिचारकगणाः समाययुः॥

Word by Word

• रथैः: by chariots

• नागैः: by elephants

• हयैः: by horses

• च एव: and also

• सिंहमर्कटवाहनाः: having lions and monkeys as mounts/vehicles

• विमानेषु: in aerial cars (vimānas)

• तथा: likewise

• आरूढाः: mounted/seated

• हेमचित्रेषु: in/among those decorated with golden ornamentation

• वै: indeed

• गणाः: the gaṇas (Shiva’s attendant hosts).

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Ganas

FAQs

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

It frames Shiva (Pati) as the sovereign worship-worthy Lord whose presence is accompanied by ordered gaṇas—supporting the Purāṇic vision that Liṅga-pūjā is not merely personal devotion but participation in Shiva’s cosmic sovereignty and sacred retinue.

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

By highlighting the gaṇas’ vast and radiant procession, the verse implies Shiva-tattva as supreme governance (aiśvarya) over diverse powers and beings—Pati presiding over multiplicity without being limited by it, while pashus (souls) remain distinct dependents within His order.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

No specific rite is prescribed in this line; its takeaway supports Pāśupata orientation—cultivating devotion and surrender to Pati, contemplating His aiśvarya (lordship) and the disciplined hierarchy of His gaṇas as a meditative aid during Liṅga-pūjā.