Shloka 14
Saṃjñā–Chāyā Upākhyāna: Sūrya-tejas, Substitution, and the Birth of Manu, Yama, and Yamunā
संज्ञाऽनु प्रार्थिता छाया सा स्वपुत्रेऽपि नित्यशः । चकाराभ्यधिकं स्नेहं न तथा पूर्वजे सुते
saṃjñā'nu prārthitā chāyā sā svaputre'pi nityaśaḥ | cakārābhyadhikaṃ snehaṃ na tathā pūrvaje sute
సంజ్ఞా ప్రార్థనచేత ప్రేరితమైన ఛాయా, నిత్యం తన స్వపుత్రునిపై అధిక స్నేహం చూపింది; కానీ పెద్ద కుమారునిపై అంతగా చూపలేదు.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse highlights how partiality and attachment (rāga) distort dharma; Shaiva teaching emphasizes inner purity and even-mindedness so the bound soul (paśu) is not tightened by the fetters (pāśa) of favoritism and ego.
Though narrative in tone, it supports Saguna Shiva worship by teaching ethical steadiness: devotion to Shiva is meant to refine conduct—removing bias and cultivating equanimity, which is a prerequisite for mature bhakti and disciplined worship.
A practical takeaway is daily japa of the Panchākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” with a vow of impartial conduct (samatva), optionally supported by Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and rudrākṣa as reminders to restrain attachment.