Shloka 32
Sunartaka-Naṭa Avatāra and Pārvatī’s Boon-Request (Śiva as the Testing Benefactor)
एवं सुबहुरूपाणि तस्य तत्र ददर्श सः । सुविस्मितो बभूवाशु परमानन्दसंप्लुतः
evaṃ subahurūpāṇi tasya tatra dadarśa saḥ | suvismito babhūvāśu paramānandasaṃplutaḥ
एवं स तत्र तस्य प्रभोः बहुरूपाणि सुभूरि ददर्श। स तु सुविस्मितोऽभवत्, क्षणेन परमानन्देन संप्लुतः॥
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Naṭarāja
FAQs
The verse highlights that Shiva, as Pati (the Lord), manifests innumerable forms for the devotee’s uplift; true darshan culminates in vismaya (holy awe) and paramānanda (supreme bliss), indicating grace that loosens the bonds of pasha.
Seeing ‘many forms’ supports Saguna-upasana: the one Shiva is approached through accessible manifestations—Linga, icons, and divine forms—while remaining the same supreme reality beyond limitation.
A practical takeaway is Shiva-dhyana with the Panchakshara mantra (Om Namah Shivaya), focusing on Shiva’s forms with devotion; this is traditionally supported by Tripundra (bhasma) and Rudraksha as aids to steady remembrance.