Shloka 123
The Account and Merit of Śivadūtī
with the Nāga-tīrtha at Puṣkara
एवमुक्तस्तदा सोपि देवदेवो महेश्वरः । भक्ष्यार्थं तास्तदा प्राह पार्वत्याश्चैव सन्निधौ
evamuktastadā sopi devadevo maheśvaraḥ | bhakṣyārthaṃ tāstadā prāha pārvatyāścaiva sannidhau
既被如此启请，那诸神之主摩诃湿伐罗当时也在帕尔瓦蒂面前，对她们谈及食物之事。
Maheśvara (Śiva)
Concept: Speech in sacred assembly is regulated by decorum; even divine instruction is framed as response to proper address and occurs under the witness of Śakti (Pārvatī).
Application: Before advising or acting, ensure the context is appropriate, the stakeholders are present, and the intention is transparent; accountability increases when one speaks ‘in the presence’ of those affected.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A divine assembly pauses as Maheśvara, newly addressed, turns to speak. Pārvatī sits beside him as luminous witness, her gaze steady; attendants and sages lean forward, sensing an unusual instruction about to be given.","primary_figures":["Maheśvara (Śiva)","Pārvatī","attendant gaṇas","assembled petitioners (women/guests)"],"setting":"Kailāsa-like divine court with stone terraces, lotus-carved pillars, and a ritual space prepared for hospitality.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["ash white","vermilion","lapis blue","gold leaf","smoky gray"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Śiva seated in regal posture with Pārvatī at his side, ornate crowns and gem-studded ornaments, gold leaf halo and arch, rich red-green textiles, attendants holding flywhisks, a formal court scene poised before a pronouncement, intricate temple motifs and embossed gold detailing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate Kailāsa court with delicate linework, cool slate mountains behind, Śiva and Pārvatī rendered with refined faces, soft pastel garments, attentive guests in a semicircle, lyrical naturalism with flowering shrubs and thin mist.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, Śiva with ash-toned body and crescent moon, Pārvatī in warm red-yellow attire, stylized lotus pillars, large expressive eyes, flat temple-wall composition with rhythmic ornamentation.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a devotional court framed by lotus borders and floral arabesques, deep indigo background with gold highlights, peacocks and stylized lotuses at the margins, central enthroned divine couple with attendants, intricate textile patterns and symmetrical composition."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["temple bells","soft drone (tanpura)","conch shell (distant)","assembly murmur fading into silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: एवमुक्तस्तदा = एवम् + उक्तः + तदा; सोपि = सः + अपि; भक्ष्यार्थं = भक्ष्य + अर्थम्; तास्तदा = ताः + तदा; पार्वत्याश्चैव = पार्वत्याः + च + एव
FAQs
The speaker is Maheśvara (Śiva). The verse says he spoke “to them” (tāḥ), indicating a group being addressed, and it specifies that Pārvatī was present.
It frames the dialogue as occurring before Pārvatī, emphasizing the domestic and ethical setting of Śiva’s instruction—speech and conduct are presented as accountable within a sacred, witnessing presence.
Bhakṣyārtham (“concerning what is fit to eat/for food”) signals guidance about sustenance—often implying discernment about proper consumption, suitability, and dharmic standards around food.