Shloka 76
उपमन्युकुमारस्य क्षीरार्थ-प्रार्थना तथा शिवप्रसाद-निबन्धनम् | Upamanyu’s Longing for Milk and the Doctrine of Shiva’s Grace
इत्थन्ते वर्णितस्तात शिवस्य परमात्मनः । सुरेश्वरावतारो हि सर्वदा सुखदः सताम्
itthante varṇitastāta śivasya paramātmanaḥ | sureśvarāvatāro hi sarvadā sukhadaḥ satām
इत्थं ते वर्णितं तात शिवस्य परमात्मनः । सुरेश्वरावतारोऽयं सर्वदा सुखदः सताम् ॥
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages at Naimisharanya, inferred from Purana discourse style in the Śatarudrasaṃhitā)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Sthala Purana: The verse functions as a narrative colophon: the ‘Sureśvara-avatāra’ (Śiva as Lord of the Devas) is concluded and declared intrinsically beneficent to the sādhus; no specific jyotirliṅga-sthala is invoked here.
Significance: Hearing/remembering Śiva’s avatāra as Sureśvara is framed as a direct source of sukha for sat-puruṣas (virtuous devotees).
FAQs
The verse emphasizes that Śiva, though the Paramātman (Supreme Self), compassionately assumes manifest forms (avatāras) for the welfare of devotees; remembering such descents strengthens bhakti and leads the sādhaka toward śiva-anugraha (Śiva’s grace).
By calling Śiva the Paramātman yet praising His avatāra, the verse bridges Nirguṇa truth and Saguṇa worship: devotees approach the transcendent Śiva through accessible forms—Linga worship, icon worship, and narrative remembrance—receiving auspiciousness and inner joy.
A practical takeaway is to do nāma-smaraṇa and japa—especially the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—while contemplating Śiva’s compassionate manifestations, dedicating the merit for sattva, peace, and steadfast devotion.