Shloka 17

उमास्वयंवरः / भवोद्वाहः, गणसमागमः, अविमुक्तक्षेत्रमाहात्म्यम्, तथा विनायक-उत्पत्तिसूचना

Devanagari script

विष्टम्भो ऽष्टाभिर् एवेह गणपः सर्वसत्तमः पिप्पलश् च सहस्रेण संनादश् च तथा द्विजाः

Transliteration

viṣṭambho 'ṣṭābhir eveha gaṇapaḥ sarvasattamaḥ pippalaś ca sahasreṇa saṃnādaś ca tathā dvijāḥ

Translation

இங்கே ‘விஷ்டம்ப’ எனும் கணபன்—அனைத்து உயிர்களிலும் சிறந்தவன்—எட்டு கணங்களால் சூழப்பட்டிருக்கிறான். அதுபோல ‘பிப்பல’ ஆயிரம் கணங்களால், ‘ஸந்நாத’வும்; மேலும் த்விஜ ரிஷிகளும் சிவஸ்துதியில் இணைந்துள்ளனர்.

Word by Word

• viṣṭambhaḥ: (named) Viṣṭambha

• aṣṭābhiḥ: with eight

• eva iha: indeed here (in this context)

• gaṇapaḥ: leader of the gaṇas

• sarva-sattamaḥ: best among all beings

• pippalaḥ: (named) Pippala

• ca: and

• sahasreṇa: with a thousand

• saṃnādaḥ: (named) Saṃnāda (roaring/resounding one)

• ca: and

• tathā: likewise

• dvijāḥ: the twice-born (Brahmins/vedic seers)

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Viṣṭambha
• Pippala
• Saṃnāda
• Dvijas

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It situates Linga devotion within Shiva’s cosmic order: the Lord (Pati) is served by organized gaṇa-hosts who protect, amplify, and regulate sacred rites around his presence.

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

By listing gaṇa-chiefs and their vast retinues, the verse implies Shiva’s sovereignty as Pati—the supreme ruler whose will is executed through countless empowered attendants across the worlds.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It indirectly highlights gaṇa-sevā and protective sanctification around worship—an atmosphere essential to Pashupata-oriented discipline where the pashu (soul) approaches Pati by removing pasha (bondage) through regulated devotion and conduct.