Kirātāvatāra, Durvāsā-upākhyāna, and the Logic of Divine Rescue
Kirātākhyam-avatāra; Pāṇḍava-prasaṅga
नन्दीश्वर उवाच । इत्युक्त्वार्जुनमाहूयोपेन्द्रविद्यामुपादिशत् । स्नात्वा च प्राङ्मुखो भूत्वा जग्राहार्जुन उग्रधीः
nandīśvara uvāca | ityuktvārjunamāhūyopendravidyāmupādiśat | snātvā ca prāṅmukho bhūtvā jagrāhārjuna ugradhīḥ
नन्दीश्वर उवाच—इत्युक्त्वा अर्जुनमाहूय उपेन्द्रविद्यामुपादिशत्। स्नात्वा च प्राङ्मुखो भूत्वा अर्जुन उग्रधीः तां जग्राह॥
Nandīśvara (Nandi)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Role: teaching
It emphasizes that sacred power (vidyā/mantra) is not merely heard but ritually and inwardly “received” through purity, right orientation, and disciplined resolve—conditions that make the seeker fit for Śiva’s grace operating through his attendants and teachings.
Though the verse names an Upendra-linked vidyā, the transmission occurs through Nandīśvara, a foremost servant of Lord Śiva—showing that Saguna Śiva’s worship is upheld by proper initiation and observance, where mantra and ritual purity support focused devotion (bhakti) toward the Lord’s manifest form, including Linga-upāsanā.
It indicates preparatory practice for mantra: snāna (purificatory bath), assuming a disciplined posture and intention, and facing east (prāṅmukha) before receiving or commencing a vidyā—implying formal initiation and regulated japa/meditation.