Shloka 38
Umā-caritra-prārthanā: Ṛṣayaḥ Sūtaṃ Pṛcchanti
Request for the Account of Umā
भ्रातॄणां भ्रातृपुत्राणां परेषां सुहृदां तथा । न वेद्मि कुशलं सम्यक्करुणासागर प्रभो
bhrātṝṇāṃ bhrātṛputrāṇāṃ pareṣāṃ suhṛdāṃ tathā | na vedmi kuśalaṃ samyakkaruṇāsāgara prabho
Ôi bậc Chủ tể, biển cả của lòng từ mẫn, tôi thật không biết rõ sự an ổn của anh em tôi, con trai của anh em tôi, và cả những người thân hữu khác nữa.
A devotee/supplicant addressing Lord Shiva (inferred from the vocative 'prabho' and epithet 'karuṇāsāgara')
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Significance: Invokes Śiva as karuṇāsāgara; such remembrance is framed in Śaiva devotion as a doorway to anugraha (grace) that loosens karmic bonds and heals relational suffering.
Mantra: karuṇāsāgara prabho
Type: stotra
Role: nurturing
FAQs
The verse expresses a devotee’s surrender: worldly concern for relatives is offered to Shiva, the compassionate Lord (Pati), acknowledging one’s limited knowledge and seeking divine guardianship and grace.
By addressing Shiva as a personal Lord (“Prabhu,” “ocean of compassion”), the verse exemplifies Saguna-bhakti—approaching Shiva in a relatable form and quality, as one would in Linga worship: placing one’s burdens and prayers before the Lord.
A practical takeaway is prayerful surrender during Shiva-puja—mentally offering family concerns at the Linga while repeating the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” cultivating trust in Shiva’s karuṇā (compassion).