Shloka 161

वासिष्ठकथनम् (आदित्य–सोमवंशवर्णनम् तथा रुद्रसहस्रनाम-प्रशंसा)

Devanagari script

देवासुरगणाध्यक्षो देवासुरगणाग्रणीः देवाधिदेवो देवर्षिर् देवासुरवरप्रदः

Transliteration

devāsuragaṇādhyakṣo devāsuragaṇāgraṇīḥ devādhidevo devarṣir devāsuravarapradaḥ

Translation

祂是天神与阿修罗诸众的统领与监察者，是诸众之中最先最胜的领袖。祂是诸神之上的神（devādhideva），是天界圣仙（devarṣi），并赐福施恩于天神与阿修罗两者。

Word by Word

• deva-asura-gaṇa-adhyakṣaḥ: superintendent of the hosts of Devas and Asuras

• deva-asura-gaṇa-agraṇīḥ: foremost leader of the Deva–Asura hosts

• deva-adhi-devaḥ: the Supreme God above the gods

• deva-ṛṣiḥ: divine sage/seer

• deva-asura-vara-pradaḥ: giver of boons to Devas and Asuras

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating a stotra/namāvali within the Linga Purana discourse)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Devas
• Asuras

FAQs

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

It establishes Shiva as Devādhideva—the supreme Pati who governs all cosmic hosts—so Linga-puja is directed to the highest Lord who alone can loosen pasha (bondage) and grant the soul (pashu) grace and boons.

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

Shiva is portrayed as transcendent (above the Devas) yet immanent in governance (leader of all gaṇas), and as devarṣi—omniscient, guiding dharma through seer-knowledge while dispensing results to all beings without being limited by their faction.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The verse functions as a nāma-stuti used in japa and Linga-archana; contemplatively, it supports Pashupata Yoga by meditating on Shiva as Pati—the controller of all forces and the giver of siddhi and anugraha (grace).