Shloka 44

Adhyaya 84: शिवव्रतकथनम्

Uma–Maheshvara Vrata, Shula-dana, and Month-wise Ekabhakta Vrata

Devanagari script

क्षेत्रं गोमिथुनं चैव तद्गृहे च निवेदयेत् सायनैर् विविधैर् दिव्यैर् मेरुपर्वतसन्निभैः

Transliteration

kṣetraṃ gomithunaṃ caiva tadgṛhe ca nivedayet sāyanair vividhair divyair meruparvatasannibhaiḥ

Translation

Dapat maghandog bilang kawanggawa ng isang bukiring sinasaka at isang pares ng baka, at sa bahay ng tatanggap ay maglaan ng iba’t ibang banal na higaan at pahingahan, maringal at matayog na tila Bundok Meru; sa gayon ay natutustusan ang matuwid na pamumuhay na iniaalay kay Pati, ang Panginoong Śiva.

Word by Word

• क्षेत्रम्: a field/land for cultivation

• गोमिथुनम्: a pair of cattle (cow and bull)

• च एव: and indeed

• तत्-गृहे: in that house (the recipient’s dwelling)

• च: also

• निवेदयेत्: one should present/offer (as a gift)

• सायनैः: with beds/resting-couches

• विविधैः: of various kinds

• दिव्यैः: excellent, splendid, auspicious

• मेरु-पर्वत-सन्निभैः: comparable to Mount Meru (very grand/lofty).

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It frames dana (charitable gifting) as a Shaiva-supportive act: sustaining dharmic life for others becomes an offering aligned with service to Pati (Śiva), thereby increasing punya that supports linga-puja and inner purity.

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

By implying that devotion to Pati is expressed through upholding dharma and welfare, the verse reflects Śiva-tattva as the lordly principle (Pati) who is honored not only by ritual, but by selfless actions that loosen pasha (bondage) upon the pashu (individual soul).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Dana as an auxiliary practice to Shiva-puja: gifting land, cattle, and household supports—acts that cultivate sattva and reduce attachment, aiding the pashu’s progression toward Śiva through disciplined, selfless conduct.