Shloka 19
Vaiśyanātha-avatāra-kathā
The Account of Śiva’s Manifestation as Vaiśyanātha
नन्दीश्वर उवाच । इति तां नवरत्नाढ्ये सस्पृहां करभूषणे । वीक्ष्योदारमतिर्वैश्यः सस्मितं समभाषत
nandīśvara uvāca | iti tāṃ navaratnāḍhye saspṛhāṃ karabhūṣaṇe | vīkṣyodāramatirvaiśyaḥ sasmitaṃ samabhāṣata
नन्दीश्वर उवाच—इति तां नवरत्नाढ्ये करभूषणे सस्पृहां वीक्ष्य, उदारमतिर्वैश्यः सस्मितं समभाषत।
Nandishvara (Nandi)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It shows how perception of external splendor can stir longing, setting the stage for a dharmic test; Shaiva teaching emphasizes mastering such impulses and turning the mind toward Shiva (Pati) rather than being bound by pasha (attachments).
Though narrative in tone, it contrasts outward ornamentation with the inner orientation praised in Saguna Shiva worship—where beauty and wealth are offered to Shiva as seva, not clung to as objects of craving.
A practical takeaway is sense-restraint supported by japa of the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and offering one’s desires into Shiva-bhakti, so longing is purified into devotion.