Shloka 20

Adhyaya 44: Nandikesvara’s Manifestation and Abhisheka; The Rule of Namaskara in Shiva-Nama

Devanagari script

नैकस्तंभमयं चापि चामीकरवरप्रभम् मुक्तादामावलम्बं च मणिरत्नावभासितम्

Transliteration

naikastaṃbhamayaṃ cāpi cāmīkaravaraprabham muktādāmāvalambaṃ ca maṇiratnāvabhāsitam

Translation

Linga ấy hiện ra như được kết thành bởi vô số trụ cột, rực sáng với quang huy tối thượng của vàng tinh luyện; lại buông rủ những chuỗi ngọc trai, và chói ngời bởi ánh sáng của châu báu, bảo ngọc—như thế Linga thiêng liêng, dấu hiệu hữu hình của Pati (Đấng Chủ Tể), đã được chiêm ngưỡng, dẫn dắt các linh hồn paśu hướng về giải thoát.

Word by Word

• naika: many, not one

• stambha-mayam: made of pillars/column-like forms

• ca api: and also

• cāmīkara: gold

• vara-prabham: of excellent/supreme radiance

• muktā: pearls

• dāmā: garlands/strings

• avalambam: hanging down, suspended

• ca: and

• maṇi-ratna: gems and precious jewels

• avabhāsitam: shining forth, illuminated, made brilliant

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Linga

FAQs

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

It emphasizes the Linga as a consecrated, perceivable focus for devotion—adorned with gold, pearls, and jewels—supporting puja through beauty (śrī) that steadies the mind and directs the worshipper (pashu) to Pati, Shiva.

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

By presenting the Linga as self-manifest splendour—radiant and jewel-like—it points to Shiva-tattva as prakāśa (luminous consciousness) that becomes approachable through a sacred symbol without being limited by it.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Alankāra (ritual adornment) in Shiva-linga puja is implied—decorating with garlands and shining substances—paired with dhyāna: fixing awareness on the Linga’s radiance as a support for Pashupata-oriented inward recollection of Pati.