Shloka 39
Vṛṣeśākhya-Śivāvatāra and the Initiation of the Kṣīrasāgara-Manthana
Churning of the Milk Ocean
न स्पृशामः स्त्रियश्चेमा यदि देवैर्विनिर्जिताः । इत्युक्त्वा ते महावीरा दैत्यास्सर्वे युयुत्सवः
na spṛśāmaḥ striyaścemā yadi devairvinirjitāḥ | ityuktvā te mahāvīrā daityāssarve yuyutsavaḥ
देवैर्विनिर्जिताः सन्ति यदि चेमा स्त्रियः, तदा न स्पृशामः; इत्युक्त्वा ते महावीराः सर्वे दैत्याः युयुत्सवः।
Narrator (Suta Goswami, recounting the episode to the sages)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Tripurāntaka
FAQs
It highlights dharmic restraint even in a hostile context: the warriors curb exploitative impulse and redirect their energy toward open combat, implying that self-control (nigraha) is a mark of inner strength—an ethic aligned with Shaiva discipline where mastery over desire supports higher spiritual aim.
While not directly mentioning the Linga, the verse reflects a core Shaiva value relevant to Saguna Shiva worship: devotion is supported by purity of conduct and restraint. In Shaiva Siddhanta, outward actions (ācāra) and inner control help the devotee become fit for Shiva’s grace (anugraha).
The implied practice is indriya-nigraha (sense-restraint). As a practical takeaway for devotees, one may pair restraint with japa of the Panchakshara mantra (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) to steady the mind and prevent the fall into harmful action.