Shloka 30

नरकलोकवर्णनम् (Narakaloka-varṇanam) — Description of the Hell-Realms

Devanagari script

तीक्ष्णतुण्डश्च शकुनिर्महासंवर्तकः क्रतुः । तप्तजंतुः पंकलेपः प्रतिमांसस्त्रपूद्भवः

Transliteration

tīkṣṇatuṇḍaśca śakunirmahāsaṃvartakaḥ kratuḥ | taptajaṃtuḥ paṃkalepaḥ pratimāṃsastrapūdbhavaḥ

Translation

தீக்ஷ்ணதுண்டன், சகுனி, மஹாசம்வர்த்தகன், க்ரது; மேலும் தப்தஜந்து, பங்கலேபன், பிரதிமாம்ஸன், த்ரபூத்பவன்—இவ்வாறே அந்தக் கொடியவர்கள் உரைக்கப்பட்டனர்.

Word by Word

तीक्ष्णतुण्डःTīkṣṇatuṇḍa (sharp-beaked one)

चand

शकुनिःŚakuni (bird; name)

महासंवर्तकःMahāsaṃvartaka (great destroyer/annihilator)

क्रतुःKratu (rite/sacrifice; name)

तप्तजंतुःTaptajantu (scorched creature)

पंकलेपःPaṅkalepa (coating of mud/filth)

प्रतिमांसःPratimāṃsa (flesh at every step / abundant flesh)

त्रपूद्भवःTrapūdbhava (born of tin/metal)

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Shaiva Theology

Tattva Level: pasha

Shiva Form: Kālāntaka

Characters & Entities

Shiva

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in the Shiva Purana?

It catalogs terrifying forces/names associated with dissolution, underscoring that all fearsome transformations of nature are ultimately under the sovereignty of Pati (Lord Shiva), whom the seeker approaches for fearlessness and liberation.

How does this verse relate to the worship of the Linga or Saguna Shiva?

By portraying dissolution and dread as controlled manifestations, it points devotees toward Saguna Shiva (Linga-worship) as the compassionate Lord who governs even destructive powers and grants refuge beyond them.

What ritualistic or meditative practice is suggested here?

Cultivate fearlessness through Shiva-bhakti—daily remembrance of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and worship with bhasma/rudrākṣa as aids to steady the mind amid thoughts of impermanence.