Shloka 16

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

Devanagari script

नन्दीश्वरो ऽयं पुत्रो नः सर्वेषामीश्वरेश्वरः विप्रो ऽयं नायकश्चैव सेनानीर् वः समृद्धिमान्

Transliteration

nandīśvaro 'yaṃ putro naḥ sarveṣāmīśvareśvaraḥ vipro 'yaṃ nāyakaścaiva senānīr vaḥ samṛddhimān

Translation

此乃难提湿伐罗，是我等之子；实为诸主之上主。彼具婆罗门般的圣慧，又为领袖，并将成为你们众军团兴盛吉祥的统帅。

Word by Word

• नन्दीश्वरः: Nandīśvara (Nandin, Shiva’s chief attendant)

• अयम्: this

• पुत्रः: son

• नः: of us/our

• सर्वेषाम्: of all

• ईश्वर-ईश्वरः: Lord of lords (supreme overlord)

• विप्रः: brahmin, inspired seer

• अयम्: this

• नायकः: leader, guide

• च एव: and indeed

• सेनानीः: commander, general

• वः: of you/your

• समृद्धिमान्: endowed with prosperity, powerful and flourishing

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating an internal proclamation within the Shiva-gana context)

Characters & Entities

• Nandishvara
• Shiva

FAQs

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

It establishes Nandīśvara as Shiva’s empowered authority within the gana-order; in Linga worship, such authority safeguards correct puja, mantra-discipline, and devotion to Pati (Shiva) over all lesser powers.

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

By calling Nandīśvara “Lord of lords,” the verse reflects Shiva-tattva as supreme sovereignty (Pati) that transcends all conditioned lordships; Nandin functions as that sovereignty’s manifest command and guidance in the world.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It implies disciplined adherence to Shiva’s ordained leadership—an ethic central to Pāśupata conduct—where the practitioner (paśu) follows the Lord’s command through authorized guidance, supporting steady puja and yogic restraint.