Shloka 17

उमास्वयंवरः / भवोद्वाहः, गणसमागमः, अविमुक्तक्षेत्रमाहात्म्यम्, तथा विनायक-उत्पत्तिसूचना

Devanagari script

विष्टम्भो ऽष्टाभिर् एवेह गणपः सर्वसत्तमः पिप्पलश् च सहस्रेण संनादश् च तथा द्विजाः

Transliteration

viṣṭambho 'ṣṭābhir eveha gaṇapaḥ sarvasattamaḥ pippalaś ca sahasreṇa saṃnādaś ca tathā dvijāḥ

Translation

于此处，众伽那之首毗湿檀婆（Viṣṭambha）——诸有情中最胜者——立于八部随从之中。又如毗波罗（Pippala）有千众侍从，三那陀（Saṃnāda）亦复如是，并有诸“二生”圣贤同来，赞颂并护持主宰。

Word by Word

• viṣṭambhaḥ: (named) Viṣṭambha

• aṣṭābhiḥ: with eight

• eva iha: indeed here (in this context)

• gaṇapaḥ: leader of the gaṇas

• sarva-sattamaḥ: best among all beings

• pippalaḥ: (named) Pippala

• ca: and

• sahasreṇa: with a thousand

• saṃnādaḥ: (named) Saṃnāda (roaring/resounding one)

• ca: and

• tathā: likewise

• dvijāḥ: the twice-born (Brahmins/vedic seers)

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Viṣṭambha
• Pippala
• Saṃnāda
• Dvijas

FAQs

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

It situates Linga devotion within Shiva’s cosmic order: the Lord (Pati) is served by organized gaṇa-hosts who protect, amplify, and regulate sacred rites around his presence.

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

By listing gaṇa-chiefs and their vast retinues, the verse implies Shiva’s sovereignty as Pati—the supreme ruler whose will is executed through countless empowered attendants across the worlds.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It indirectly highlights gaṇa-sevā and protective sanctification around worship—an atmosphere essential to Pashupata-oriented discipline where the pashu (soul) approaches Pati by removing pasha (bondage) through regulated devotion and conduct.