Shloka 89
प्रणवार्थ-शिवतत्त्व-निर्णयः
The Determination of Śiva as the Meaning of Praṇava
अथ महाव्रतमिति अग्निर्वै देवा नामतः । तथैतस्य समाम्नायमिषेत्वोर्ज्जे त्वा वेति तत्
atha mahāvratamiti agnirvai devā nāmataḥ | tathaitasya samāmnāyamiṣetvorjje tvā veti tat
其次，名为“摩诃弗罗多（Mahāvrata）”之仪，实即阿耆尼，诸天以此名而知之。其相应的传统诵辞亦为：“iṣe tvā, ūrje tvā”——“为滋养我召请汝；为力量我召请汝。”
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Sthala Purana: No Jyotirliṅga identification; the verse identifies ‘Mahāvrata’ with Agni ‘among the gods’, stressing the sustaining centrality of fire in rite and vow-observance.
Significance: Frames the observance as a ‘great vow’ whose stability depends on correct Vedic recitation (samāmnāya), implying that fidelity to mantra preserves the rite’s potency.
Mantra: इषे त्वा । ऊर्जे त्वा ।
Type: rudram
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It identifies Mahāvrata as inseparable from Agni and mantra—showing that a “great vow” is not mere austerity, but a consecrated act sustained by sacred fire and right recitation, supporting inner purification in the Shaiva path.
In Saguna Shiva worship, offerings to the Linga are commonly accompanied by Agni-related rites and Vedic utterances; this verse frames the vow as a mantra-guided, fire-sanctified observance that supports external worship and internal devotion toward Shiva.
Perform the Mahāvrata with disciplined observance and recite the received formula “iṣe tvā, ūrje tvā,” cultivating the intent of nourishment and strength—qualities to be offered back into Shiva-oriented sādhanā.