Shloka 5

Upamanyu’s Tapas, Shiva’s Indra-Form Test, and the Bestowal of Kshiroda and Gaṇapatya

Devanagari script

पीत्वा स्थितं यथाकामं दृष्ट्वा प्रोवाच मातरम् मातर्मातर्महाभागे मम देहि तपस्विनि

Transliteration

pītvā sthitaṃ yathākāmaṃ dṛṣṭvā provāca mātaram mātarmātarmahābhāge mama dehi tapasvini

Translation

饮毕随意而立，他望向母亲说道：“母亲，母亲——福德具足的苦行女——请赐予我；请给我所求之物。”

Word by Word

• पीत्वा (pītvā): having drunk

• स्थितम् (sthitam): having remained/abided

• यथाकामम् (yathākāmam): according to desire/as he pleased

• दृष्ट्वा (dṛṣṭvā): having seen/looking at

• प्रोवाच (provāca): said/spoke

• मातरम् (mātaram): to the mother

• मातः (mātaḥ): O mother

• महाभागे (mahābhāge): O most fortunate/noble lady

• मम (mama): for me/to me

• देहि (dehi): give/grant

• तपस्विनि (tapasvini): O ascetic woman, one endowed with tapas.

Speaker

Narrator (Suta’s narrative voice, describing an internal dialogue)

Characters & Entities

• Mother (tapasvini)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights the devotional dynamic of “request and grace”: after being satisfied (symbolically, after receiving sustenance/fulfillment), the seeker approaches a revered ascetic figure for a granting. In Linga-worship contexts, this mirrors the pashu’s approach to Pati (Shiva) after discipline—seeking anugraha (divine favor) rather than mere enjoyment.

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

Though Shiva is not named, the structure reflects Shaiva Siddhanta: fulfillment is not final; the pashu still turns toward a higher source for granting. Shiva-tattva is the supreme giver (Pati), and all “granting” in the Purana ultimately points to anugraha—Shiva’s liberating grace that loosens pasha (bondage).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Tapas (austerity) is foregrounded through “tapasvini,” implying a yogic culture where boons and spiritual attainments arise from disciplined practice. The takeaway aligns with Pashupata-style emphasis on self-restraint and seeking higher sanction (grace) rather than acting solely from kama (desire).