Shloka 53

Adhyaya 8: Yogasthanas, Ashtanga Yoga, Pranayama-Siddhi, and Shiva-Dhyana leading to Samadhi

Devanagari script

न्यायतः सेव्यमानस्तु स एवं स्वस्थतां व्रजेत् यथैव मृगराङ्नागः शरभो वापि दुर्मदः

Transliteration

nyāyataḥ sevyamānastu sa evaṃ svasthatāṃ vrajet yathaiva mṛgarāṅnāgaḥ śarabho vāpi durmadaḥ

Translation

若依正理与正行而调护供养，它便回归安稳康宁；正如狂醉的猛兽，无论是暴怒之象，或凶悍的舍罗婆（śarabha），亦能被制伏。

Word by Word

• न्यायतः: according to justice/right method

• सेव्यमानः: being attended/served

• तु: indeed

• सः: he

• एवम्: thus

• स्वस्थताम्: health, composure, steadiness

• व्रजेत्: would attain/go to

• यथा एव: just as

• मृग-राङ्-नागः: a raging (wild) elephant

• शरभः: śarabha (a fierce mythical beast)

• वा अपि: or even

• दुर्मदः: intoxicated with pride/musth, violently arrogant

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It frames worship and service as “nyāya”—rightly ordered conduct—implying that Linga-puja is not mere ritual but a disciplined ethic that restores steadiness (svasthatā) in the devotee and community.

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

By implication, Shiva as Pati is the principle of order and mastery: even what is durmada (overpowered by pride and agitation) can be steadied through dharmic discipline aligned to him.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

The emphasis is on regulated service (seva) according to nyāya—akin to Pashupata discipline where conduct, restraint, and right method pacify the pashu’s turbulent tendencies and support inner stability.