Shloka 2

Gāyatrī-nyāsa, Pāda-bheda, and Purificatory Power in Sādhana

Devanagari script

ब्रह्मशीर्षा रुद्रशिखा विष्णोर्हृदयसंश्रिता / विनियोगैकनयना कात्यायनसगोत्रजा

Transliteration

brahmaśīrṣā rudraśikhā viṣṇorhṛdayasaṃśritā / viniyogaikanayanā kātyāyanasagotrajā

Translation

اُس کا سر برہما ہے اور شِکھا رودر؛ وہ وِشنو کے ہردے میں مقیم ہے۔ وِنیوگ میں یکسو ایک چشم، وہ کاتْیایَن گوتر کی ہے۔

Word by Word

• ब्रह्मशीर्षा: having Brahmā as (her) head
• ब्रह्मशीर्षा: Visheshana (Qualifier/विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: ब्रह्मन् (प्रातिपदिक) + शीर्ष (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st), एकवचन; षष्ठी-तत्पुरुषः (ब्रह्मणः शीर्षम् → ब्रह्मशीर्षा) — Feminine, Nominative singular; genitive tatpurusha

• रुद्रशिखा: having Rudra as (her) crest/topknot
• रुद्रशिखा: Visheshana (Qualifier/विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: रुद्र (प्रातिपदिक) + शिखा (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st), एकवचन; षष्ठी-तत्पुरुषः (रुद्रस्य शिखा) — Feminine, Nominative singular; genitive tatpurusha

• विष्णोः: of Viṣṇu
• विष्णोः: Sambandha (Genitive relation/सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Noun
• Root: विष्णु (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, षष्ठी (6th), एकवचन — Masculine, Genitive singular

• हृदयसंश्रिता: residing in the heart
• हृदयसंश्रिता: Visheshana (Qualifier/विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: हृदय (प्रातिपदिक) + सम्-श्रि (धातु) (कृदन्त)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st), एकवचन; उपपद-तत्पुरुषः; ‘संश्रित’ (क्त-प्रत्ययान्त, past passive participle) — Feminine, Nominative singular; ‘resorted/located in the heart’

• विनियोगैकनयना: single-eyed in application/ritual employment
• विनियोगैकनयना: Visheshana (Qualifier/विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: विनियोग (प्रातिपदिक) + एक (प्रातिपदिक) + नयन (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st), एकवचन; तत्पुरुष-समासः (विनियोगे एकं नयनम्/नयना) — Feminine, Nominative singular; tatpurusha compound

• कात्यायनसगोत्रजा: born in the same gotra as Kātyāyana
• कात्यायनसगोत्रजा: Visheshana (Qualifier/विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: कात्यायन (प्रातिपदिक) + स (अव्यय/उपसर्गसदृश) + गोत्र (प्रातिपदिक) + ज (धातु) (कृदन्त)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st), एकवचन; तत्पुरुषः; ‘जा’ (जन्/जॄ धातु, क्तिन्/स्त्रीप्रत्ययान्त अर्थे ‘born’) — Feminine, Nominative singular; ‘born in the same lineage’

Speaker

Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Deity-identification and contemplative visualization: the mantra-devatā is to be known through her cosmic limbs and her seat in Viṣṇu’s heart; single-pointed viniyoga (application) is emphasized.

Vedantic Theme: Antaryāmin (the indwelling divine) and upāsanā leading to citta-śuddhi (purification of mind).

Application: In japa/nyāsa, visualize the Devī with Brahmā as head and Rudra as crest, and meditate on her presence in Viṣṇu’s heart; keep intention (viniyoga) single-pointed.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: adbhuta

Secondary Rasa: shanta

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.35.3-6 (Gāyatrī-japa, pāda-structure, nyāsa, bodily placements)

Characters & Entities

• Brahma
• Rudra (Shiva)
• Vishnu
• Katyayana (gotra/lineage)

FAQs

What is the importance of viniyoga in Garuda Purana mantras?

This verse highlights viniyoga as one-pointed, purposeful application—implying that a mantra/hymn is effective when employed with correct intent, focus, and prescribed usage.

How does this verse explain the path of the soul?

Indirectly: by invoking Brahmā, Rudra, and Viṣṇu as integrated divine principles, it frames spiritual protection and inner alignment (abiding in Viṣṇu’s heart) as supportive to dharma and liberation-oriented living.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

Use the verse as a contemplative recitation for steadiness and disciplined practice—cultivating ‘eka-nayanā’ (one-pointed attention) in prayer, study, and ethical conduct.