Shloka 24

अध्याय 66: इक्ष्वाकुवंश-ऐलवंशप्रवाहः (त्रिशङ्कु-राम-ययात्यादि-प्रकरणम्)

Devanagari script

दिव्याक्षहृदयज्ञो वै राजा नलसखो बली नलौ द्वावेव विख्यातौ पुराणेषु दृढव्रतौ

Transliteration

divyākṣahṛdayajño vai rājā nalasakho balī nalau dvāveva vikhyātau purāṇeṣu dṛḍhavratau

Translation

诚然，那位强盛的国王——那罗（Nala）之友——洞悉“天眼者”（湿婆，Śiva）内在的旨意。因此，在诸《往世书》中，唯有这两位名为那罗者被称颂为坚守严誓、持戒不移之人。

Word by Word

• divya-akṣa: the Divine-Eyed (Śiva)

• hṛdaya-jñaḥ: knower of the heart/inner intent

• vai: indeed

• rājā: king

• nala-sakhaḥ: friend/companion of Nala

• balī: powerful, mighty

• nalau: the two (named) Nala(s)

• dvā eva: only two indeed

• vikhyātau: renowned, well-known

• purāṇeṣu: in the Purāṇas

• dṛḍha-vratau: firm in vows, steadfast in observances

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Nala

FAQs

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

It elevates dṛḍha-vrata (firm vow) as the qualifying discipline for approaching Śiva as Pati; Linga worship is validated not merely by outer ritual but by steadfast observance and inner purity.

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

Śiva is implied as divyākṣa—whose divine vision penetrates all—and as the one whose ‘heart’ or inner intent is knowable to the truly disciplined devotee, indicating Śiva-tattva as omniscient Pati beyond mere externalities.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The emphasis is on vrata-niyama (vowed observance) as a Shaiva sādhanā that weakens pāśa (bondage) for the paśu (soul), aligning with the Pāśupata stress on discipline, restraint, and unwavering commitment.