Upamanyu’s Tapas, Shiva’s Indra-Form Test, and the Bestowal of Kshiroda and Gaṇapatya
पीत्वा स्थितं यथाकामं दृष्ट्वा प्रोवाच मातरम् मातर्मातर्महाभागे मम देहि तपस्विनि
pītvā sthitaṃ yathākāmaṃ dṛṣṭvā provāca mātaram mātarmātarmahābhāge mama dehi tapasvini
เมื่อดื่มแล้วอยู่ตามใจตน เขามองมารดาแล้วกล่าวว่า “แม่ แม่! โอ้สตรีผู้บำเพ็ญตบะผู้มีบุญยิ่ง โปรดให้แก่ข้าเถิด; โปรดให้สิ่งที่ข้าขอเถิด”
Narrator (Suta’s narrative voice, describing an internal dialogue)
The verse highlights the devotional dynamic of “request and grace”: after being satisfied (symbolically, after receiving sustenance/fulfillment), the seeker approaches a revered ascetic figure for a granting. In Linga-worship contexts, this mirrors the pashu’s approach to Pati (Shiva) after discipline—seeking anugraha (divine favor) rather than mere enjoyment.
Though Shiva is not named, the structure reflects Shaiva Siddhanta: fulfillment is not final; the pashu still turns toward a higher source for granting. Shiva-tattva is the supreme giver (Pati), and all “granting” in the Purana ultimately points to anugraha—Shiva’s liberating grace that loosens pasha (bondage).
Tapas (austerity) is foregrounded through “tapasvini,” implying a yogic culture where boons and spiritual attainments arise from disciplined practice. The takeaway aligns with Pashupata-style emphasis on self-restraint and seeking higher sanction (grace) rather than acting solely from kama (desire).