Shloka 48
Śatarudrīya-prabhāva and Rudra’s Supremacy (शतरुद्रीयप्रभावः)
हस्ते देव पिनाक॑ ते सततं केन तिष्ठति । जटिलो ब्रह्माचारी च किमर्थमसि नित्यदा,देव! आपके हाथमें पिनाक क्यों सदा विद्यमान रहता है? आप किसलिये नित्य जटाधारी ब्रह्मचारीके वेशमें रहते हैं?
haste deva pinākaṁ te satataṁ kena tiṣṭhati | jaṭilo brahmacārī ca kimartham asi nityadā deva ||
Tinanong ni Mahādeva: “O Panginoon, bakit laging nasa iyong kamay ang busog na Pināka? At sa anong dahilan lagi kang namamalagi sa anyo ng isang asetikong may jata, isang brahmacārin—tagapagtangan ng panghabambuhay na pagpipigil at kalinisan?”
श्रीमहेश्वर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharmic tension held together in the divine ideal: unwavering readiness to protect and uphold order (Pināka ever in hand) alongside constant self-restraint and renunciation (jaṭā and brahmacarya). Power is shown as legitimate only when paired with discipline.
Śrīmahēśvara poses a direct inquiry to the addressed deity, asking the reasons behind two defining marks: the perpetual presence of the bow Pināka and the continual ascetic, celibate appearance. The dialogue frames these as purposeful signs rather than mere ornament.