Shloka 42

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

Devanagari script

लब्धो हारश् च परमो देव्याः कण्ठगतस् तथा वृषेन्द्रश् च सितो नागः सिंहः सिंहध्वजस् तथा

Transliteration

labdho hāraś ca paramo devyāḥ kaṇṭhagatas tathā vṛṣendraś ca sito nāgaḥ siṃhaḥ siṃhadhvajas tathā

Translation

又得至上项链，佩于女神颈间。复有尊贵之神牛、白蛇、狮子与狮旗显现——此皆宣示湿婆—雪克提之主权，并在主宰帕提的统摄下，以吉祥威力护持众生（paśu）脱离系缚（pāśa）的象征。

Word by Word

• लब्धः: obtained

• हारः: necklace/garland

• च: and

• परमः: supreme/excellent

• देव्याः: of the Goddess

• कण्ठगतः: set upon the neck/come to the throat (worn at the neck)

• तथा: likewise

• वृषेन्द्रः: best of bulls/lordly bull

• च: and

• सितः: white

• नागः: serpent

• सिंहः: lion

• सिंहध्वजः: lion-banner/standard bearing a lion

• तथा: also/likewise

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Devi (Parvati/Shakti)
• Shiva (implied)
• Nandi (implied by vṛṣendra)

FAQs

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

It frames Devi’s adornment and the appearance of sacred emblems (bull, serpent, lion, banner) as signs of Śiva-Śakti’s sovereign presence—supporting Linga worship as devotion to Pati who grants protection and auspiciousness.

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

Śiva-tattva is implied through royal and protective insignia: Nandi (vṛṣendra) and the serpent signify mastery over dharma and death, while the lion and banner indicate fearless lordship—Pati’s power manifest through Śakti.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse primarily highlights pūjā-lakṣaṇa (marks of worship): honoring Śiva-Śakti through auspicious symbols and offerings; yogically, it points to cultivating fearlessness and protection under Pati, a core aim aligned with Pāśupata orientation.