07/15/2024
VANDE DEVAM UMAPATIM SURAGURUM
VANDE JAGATKARANAM
VANDE PANNAGABHUSHANAM
MRIGADHARAM VANDE PASHUNAM PATIM VANDE SURYA SHASHANKAVAHNI NAYANAM VANDE MUKUNDAPRIYAM
VANDE BHAKTA JANASHRAYAM CAVARADAM VANDE SHIVAM SHANKARAM
Paying homage to Lord Shiva, who is also known as Umapati - husband of Parvati.
I bow to the divine Lord, the husband of Uma - Parvati, the teacher of all gods, the cause of the world.
I bow to him who is adorned with serpents, who holds a deer, the lord of all beings.
I bow to him who has the sun, moon, the fire as his eyes, who is dear to Mukunda - lord Vishnu.
I bow to him who is the refuge of his devotees and the bestower of boons.
I bow down to Shiva, who is known as Shankara.
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This mantra is a profound invocation and homage to Lord Shiva. The invocation begins with addressing Shiva as Umapati, highlighting his relationship with Parvati, also known as Uma, symbolizing the balance between masculine and feminine energies. The mantra acknowledges Shiva's wisdom and his role as the ultimate guru who imparts knowledge and guidance to other deities. Additionally, describing Shiva as the cause of the universe underscores his paramount significance in the cosmic order, indicating that he is the origin and sustainer of all creation.
The mantra describes Shiva as being adorned with serpents and holding a deer, which represent his ascetic lifestyle and his mastery over both fierce and gentle aspects of nature. Referring to Shiva as the lord of all beings emphasizes his dominion over all creatures and his role as their protector. The lines mentioning his eyes as the sun, moon, and fire illustrate his all-seeing and all-knowing nature, symbolizing his omnipresence and omnipotence. Shiva's association with Mukunda (Lord Vishnu) signifies the harmonious coexistence of different divine aspects, promoting unity and balance. Finally, acknowledging Shiva as the refuge of devotees and the bestower of boons emphasizes his compassionate and benevolent nature. The mantra encapsulates the essence of Shiva as Shankara, the auspicious one embodying both the power to destroy ignorance and the grace to nurture and sustain life.