Shloka 56
मेना-शिवदर्शन-प्रस्थानम् | Menā’s Quest to Behold Śiva
Departure for Śiva’s Darśana
इत्यादिविकृताकारा अनेके प्रबला गणाः । असंख्यातास्तथा तात महावीरा भयंकराः
ityādivikṛtākārā aneke prabalā gaṇāḥ | asaṃkhyātāstathā tāta mahāvīrā bhayaṃkarāḥ
इत्येवं विकृताकाराः प्रबलाः केचन गणाः। असंख्याता हि तात महावीराः भयङ्कराः॥
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Kālabhairava
FAQs
It highlights Shiva’s śakti-filled retinue (gaṇas) as a protective, dharma-defending manifestation of Saguna Shiva—terrifying to adharma yet supportive to devotees, showing that divine power can appear fearsome while serving liberation-oriented order.
While the Linga signifies Shiva’s transcendent reality, the gaṇas represent his accessible Saguna domain—his governed cosmos of attendants and energies—reminding worshippers that devotion to Shiva includes reverence for his divine administration and protection.
A practical takeaway is to seek Shiva’s protection through japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and cultivate steadfast bhakti; the verse supports meditating on Shiva as the Lord of gaṇas who removes fear and obstructive forces.