Shloka 55
Mantra-Nyāsa and Elemental Maṇḍalas: Nāga Invocation and Garuḍa–Bhairava Dhyāna for Protection
धन्वन्तरिरुवाच / एवं स गरुडं प्रोचे गरुडः कश्यपाय च / महेश्वरो यथा गौरीं प्राह विद्यां तथा शृणु
dhanvantariruvāca / evaṃ sa garuḍaṃ proce garuḍaḥ kaśyapāya ca / maheśvaro yathā gaurīṃ prāha vidyāṃ tathā śṛṇu
ధన్వంతరి పలికెను—ఇలా ఆయన గరుడునికి ఉపదేశించాడు; గరుడుడు కశ్యపునికీ (అదే) బోధించాడు. మహేశ్వరుడు గౌరీకి విద్యను చెప్పినట్లే, ఆ పవిత్ర జ్ఞానాన్ని వినుము।
Dhanvantari
Concept: Guru-paramparā as pramāṇa: sacred knowledge is preserved and empowered through authorized transmission.
Vedantic Theme: Śravaṇa as gateway: ‘śṛṇu’ underscores listening to revealed instruction as the first step toward realization and effective practice.
Application: Approach mantra/vidyā with proper initiation, disciplined study, and respectful listening; verify practice through reliable teachers and texts.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: teaching setting (guru-to-disciple)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.197.51-54 (context of the vidyā and its phala)
FAQs
This verse highlights that the teaching is preserved through an authentic chain of transmission—spoken, received, and passed onward—so the listener treats it as authoritative sacred knowledge (vidyā).
Here the text sets up credibility and continuity of the doctrine before presenting the core instruction; it signals that the forthcoming teaching is traditional and trusted, which is crucial when discussing subtle matters like dharma, rites, and unseen results.
Approach death-ritual guidance, dharma teachings, and mantra/vidyā with careful listening (śravaṇa), respect for sources, and reliance on qualified instruction rather than hearsay.