Shloka 14

देवादिसृष्टिकथनम् (वसिष्ठशोकः, पराशरजन्म, एकलिङ्गपूजा, रुद्रदर्शनम्)

Devanagari script

दुःखितापि परित्रातुं श्वशुरं दुःखितं तदा अरुन्धतीं च कल्याणीं प्रार्थयामास दुःखिताम्

Transliteration

duḥkhitāpi paritrātuṃ śvaśuraṃ duḥkhitaṃ tadā arundhatīṃ ca kalyāṇīṃ prārthayāmāsa duḥkhitām

Translation

她虽亦悲苦，却在那时竭力救护同样哀恸的公公；并在自身忧痛中，恳求吉祥的阿伦达蒂（Arundhatī）——她亦为慈悲所动。

Word by Word

• दुःखिता अपि: even though sorrowful

• परित्रातुम्: to protect, to deliver

• श्वशुरम्: father-in-law

• दुःखितम्: distressed, afflicted

• तदा: then

• अरुन्धतीम्: Arundhatī

• च: and

• कल्याणीम्: auspicious one, virtuous lady

• प्रार्थयामास: she begged, entreated

• दुःखिताम्: sorrowful/compassion-stricken (as addressed/depicted).

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating the episode within the Purana’s frame dialogue)

Characters & Entities

• Arundhati

FAQs

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

It highlights śaraṇāgati—seeking refuge and protection in a dharmic, compassionate way—which is foundational to approaching the Linga as Pati (Shiva), the liberator of the pashu from duḥkha and bondage.

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

Even without naming Shiva directly, the verse reflects Shiva-tattva through the movement from suffering to protection: the pashu turns toward auspicious agency (kalyāṇa), mirroring how grace (anugraha) operates in Shaiva Siddhanta—deliverance arises through right refuge and dharma.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The key practice is śaraṇāgati (humble petition and reliance) and dharmic intercession—an inner discipline aligned with Pāśupata orientation, where the afflicted soul seeks uplift through devotion, virtue, and compassionate support.