Line by Line summarized meaning of the sanskrit verses in Shivananda Lahari discourse
Day 3 – July 30 – verse 4 and 5
Verse 4
In this verse, Bhagavadpādācharya states that to Him apart from Shiva nothing else exists. So he fervently seeks to be graced by the darshan of the Lord’s feet.
Sahasram vartante jagati vibudhāh ksudra-phaladā
Na manye swapne vā tadanusaraṇam tat krutha phalam
Hari brahmadeenamapi nikata bhājām asulabham
Chiram yāche shambho shiva thava padāmbhoja bhajanam
Sahasram vartanthe – You have manifested infinetly.
The 3rd verse addressed the Lord as Trayee. Trayee means three. This 3 encompasses everything- triputi. Now in this verse He states that the Lord has manifested infinetly.
Why is it said that there are 333 crore Devatas? How did the number 33 arise?
Vedas declare that there are 12 solar systems (12 Adityas); even of late our scientists are acknowledging the presence of 12 solar systems. Then it states that there are 11 Rudras (Ekadasha Rudra). 12+11= 23. Then there are ashta vasu (8 Vasus) and two Ashwini Devatas. This totals 33. Each of these Devatas has one crore gaṇa (troops) following. There are thus 33 crores ganas. Each of this Gana has 1 crore sub-gana following him. When this thus expands, this leads to the number 333 crores.
All the Devatas are embedded within these 33 Primary Devatas.
All the Adityas are represented by the Sun; who takes on the position of Vishnu. Likewise all those who belong to the category called Rudras are represented by the force known as Shakti, Shiva, Skanda or Ganapati. Thus it should be understood that Ganapati temple is synonymous of Shiva temple; Venkateshwara temple is none other than Vishnu’s or Surya’s temple.
All the homas, karmas, yagnas and yaagas come under the classification of the 8 Vasus. Then there are the Ashwini Devatas. No idols to represent them. All the deities who shower health or knowledge represent the Ashwini Devatas. Saraswati temple, Dhanvatri temples represent Ashwini Devatas.
Jagati vibudhāh ksudra phaladā – All these Devatas (vibhudha) fulfill trivial desires (kshudra phala da) in this world.
Na manye swapne vā tadanusaraṇam – even in my dream I do not seek their grace
Tat krutha phalam – I do not even want any phala from them.
Hari brahmadeenam api nikata bhājām asulabham – Your divine feet are difficult to attain (asulabham) even by Hari and Brahma who are very close to you.
Chiram yache shambho shiva thava padāmbhoja bhajanam – I beseech You (Yāche), O Shambho, to grace me by giving me the chance to serve/ worship (bhaja) Your lotus feet.
Shiva pāda refers to Vedas; it means listening to the well-wishers who teach the truth. This is the real meaning of Shiva thava pādāmbhoja bhajanam.
When reading Shivananda Lahari it is essential to understand that this compositon is for Shiva and hence it is natural to state that He is the most supreme entity and that all other Devatas are inferior to Him. In a composition relating to Vishnu, Vishnu will be praised as most supreme. Unless the devotee has such a bhavana towards his ishta deva (favorite God), he cannot place implicit trust in him and pray. This helps in developing ekagrata towards that deity. Hence this custom is adopted. We should realize that there is only one God.
Verse 5
In this hymn, Adi Shankaracharya truly believes from his heart that he knows nothing and is like an animal while the Lord is all knowing. So He beseeches the Lord to protect and uplift him.
Smrutou shastre vaidye shakuna-kavitha-gāna-phanitou
Purāne mantre vā stuti-naṭana-hasyeshwa chatura
Katham rāgyam preethirbhavathi mayi ko ham pasupate
Pasum mām sarvagna prathita kripayā pālaya vibho
Smrutou shastre vaidye shakuna kavitha-gāna-phanitou purāne mantre vā stuti naṭana hasyeshwa chatura – I do not have any knowledge of Smruti (knowledge contained in the Vedas), of Shastras, of medicine, of Shakuna shastra, of poetry (kavita), music, talking (phani), of Purana, Mantras, prayer/ hymns nor acting.
‘I do not have any skills with me’-This is what Adi Shankaracharya swami declares. In this hymn he states that he does not know poetry, Vedas, Shastras etc. He makes this statement He makes after composing hundreds of hymns. The one who truly thinks from deep within that he does not know anything, despite having learnt everything is the true aspirant.
Smriti explains in detail the contents of Vedas- what is meant by dharma, artha, kāma and moksha? What are the rules to be followed in life? Shakuna shastra is the knowledge of prediction- interpretation of the sounds of birds and animals etc.
In our religion we believe in omens. Even when Rama was returning to Ayodhya after his marriage, suddenly they came across many bad omens. Dasharatha asked Vashista Maharishi to explain what was going to befall them. In a short while Parasurama came there and challenged Rama for war. Omens do exist. Just because we do not understand the siginificance behind them we should not criticize and make fun of them. Not following a tradition has its own reverse reaction. It is like throwing one stone which will fall back on you as a thousand stones. If you do not understand, keep quiet. There is no need to criticize. This is also a great science.
Katham ragyām preethirbhavathi mayi kō ham pasupate – Which king (raja) will be interested in me, O Paśupate? I do not even know who I am (Ko ham).
In olden days Kings used to honour and reward all scholars who were proficient any in form of knowledge/ art. They would patronize such arts. Here Bhagavad padacharya states that he is an ignorant fool who does not know who he truly is. The Lord is the supreme king and how can he get the king to be interested in him, when he does not know anything about his real self? For this reason he calls himself an animal.
Paśu mām – I am an animal (who doesn’t know anything, who is simply living)
We should always pray for others also. Even in times of difficulties, the person says- even my enemies should not face such hardships. This shows the human nature in them. One who seeks that others should suffer like him is an animal.
Sarvagnya prathithā – You are all knowing and are a master in everything
Krpaya pālaya vibhō – Please compassionately protect me, O Lord of all the worlds.