Greatness of Shiva : Mahimnastava of Pushpadanta with commentary

MAHIMNASTAVA. 25

34

He! who having worshipped the Lord of Devas?

The Giver both of heaven and liberation®

With mind intent and folded palms reads this hymn

Will himself be worshipped by Kinnaras*

And go to Shiva.

This unfailing® hymn has been made by Pusd/padanta ad

oO With him® who reads this hymn Which has issued from the lotus mouth of Pus4padanta And which is the remover of all sins With him who learns it by heart Or keeps it in his house? Mahesha Lord of Creatures is pleased.

(Here ends the Mahimnastava).

1 Here commences the Phalashloka which follows all hymns and specifies the reward which is to be got by its recitation.

2 Shiva.

3 Svarga; that is heavenly enjoyment which is yet transient and Moksha or liberation which is beyond the sphere of enjoyment and which endures. God gives both as also earthly bliss which is a faint reflection of the glorious Bhima or Divine Bliss Which is His nature.

4 Spirits (Devayoni) of that name.

5 That is in reaching its object. It is always fruitful and efficacious.

6 This verse occurs in the Ms, | have used.

7 Stotrezagrthasthitena. It is a good thing to have sacred books in one’s house even if they are not read. For this possession leads to their being read by the owner or others and the work is thus preserved. Soitis said “he who has books in his house becomes a pandif (learned man)’ Granthi bhavati panditah.