Shloka 5
नन्दिकेशावतारवर्णनम् (Nandikeśa Avatāra Varṇanam) — “Account of the Descent/Origin of Nandikeśvara”
शक्रमुद्दिश्य स मुनिस्तपस्तेपे सुदुः सहम् । निश्चलात्मा शिलादाख्यो बहुकालं दृढव्रतः
śakramuddiśya sa munistapastepe suduḥ saham | niścalātmā śilādākhyo bahukālaṃ dṛḍhavrataḥ
那位牟尼以释迦罗（因陀罗）为所向，修行极其艰苦的苦行（tapas）。名为尸罗陀者，心志不动、誓愿坚固，长久不懈而无有动摇。
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It highlights the Shaiva principle that unwavering resolve (dṛḍha-vrata) and steadiness of mind (niścalātmā) make tapas fruitful, ultimately preparing the soul (paśu) to receive higher grace beyond worldly aims.
Though the immediate intention is directed toward Indra, the Shiva Purana frames such disciplined tapas as a purifier of intention; in later Shaiva unfolding, the seeker’s focus is refined from limited deities and boons toward Saguna Shiva (often through Linga-upāsanā) and finally toward liberation.
The takeaway is sustained tapas with a firm vow—daily japa (especially the Panchakshara, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), regulated conduct, and steady meditation; the verse emphasizes endurance and consistency rather than a single external rite.