Shloka 2

Vṛṣeśākhya-Śivāvatāra and the Initiation of the Kṣīrasāgara-Manthana

Churning of the Milk Ocean

Devanagari script

पुरा देवासुराः सर्वे जरामृत्युभयार्दिताः । परस्परं च संधाय रत्नान्यादित्सवोऽभवन्

Transliteration

purā devāsurāḥ sarve jarāmṛtyubhayārditāḥ | parasparaṃ ca saṃdhāya ratnānyāditsavo'bhavan

Translation

पुरा देवासुराः सर्वे जरामृत्युभयार्दिताः। परस्परं संधिं कृत्वा रत्नान्यादित्सवोऽभवन्॥

Word by Word

पुराformerly; once

देव-असुराःgods and demons

सर्वेall

जरा-मृत्यु-भय-आर्दिताःafflicted by fear of old age and death

परस्परम्mutually; with one another

चand

संधायhaving made (an alliance); having joined together

रत्नानिgems; treasures

आदित्सवःdesiring to obtain (take)

अभवन्became; were

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Shaiva Theology

Tattva Level: pashu

Cosmic Context

Cosmic Event: Samudra-manthana (cosmic churning) prelude

Characters & Entities

Devas

Asuras

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in the Shiva Purana?

It highlights the universal bondage of jīvas to fear, decay, and death, showing that even powerful beings seek lasting refuge—ultimately pointing toward Shiva (Pati) as the giver of liberation beyond mortality.

How does this verse relate to the worship of the Linga or Saguna Shiva?

The longing for imperishable ‘treasure’ foreshadows turning from worldly gains to Shiva’s grace; Linga-worship of Saguna Shiva is presented in the Purana as a direct, accessible means to seek protection and liberation from saṃsāra.

What ritualistic or meditative practice is suggested here?

Contemplate impermanence (jara-mṛtyu) and take up Shiva-upāsanā—especially japa of the Panchakshara “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—as the inner discipline for transcending fear and seeking the highest refuge.