स्मृतौ शास्त्रे वैद्ये शकुनकवितागानफणितौ – Jaya Kishori

Jaya
Jaya__Kishori__

True devotion begins with humility. In this verse, Adi Shankaracharya sets aside all pride and stands before Lord Shiva as a helpless soul seeking only His compassion.

Sivananda Lahari – Verse 5

स्मृतौ शास्त्रे वैद्ये शकुनकवितागानफणितौ
पुराणे मन्त्रे वा स्तुतिनटनहास्येष्वचतुरः ।
कथं राज्ञां प्रीतिर्भवति मयि कोऽहं पशुपते
पशुं मां सर्वज्ञ प्रथितकृपया पालय विभो ॥ ५ ॥

स्मृतौ शास्त्रे वैद्ये शकुनकवितागानफणितौ

Meaning:
I am not skilled in the Smritis, the scriptures, medicine, interpreting omens, poetry, music, or eloquent speech.

पुराणे मन्त्रे वा स्तुतिनटनहास्येष्वचतुरः

Meaning:
Nor am I proficient in the Puranas, sacred mantras, composing hymns, acting, or even refined wit and humour.

कथं राज्ञां प्रीतिर्भवति मयि कोऽहं पशुपते

Meaning:
O Lord of all beings, if I possess none of these accomplishments, how can I hope to win the favour of kings? Who am I to claim any worth?

पशुं मां सर्वज्ञ प्रथितकृपया पालय विभो

Meaning:
O All-knowing, All-pervading Lord! Though I am but a bound soul, protect me through Your boundless and celebrated compassion.

Shankaracharya declares that he has no pride in scholarship, talent, or worldly accomplishments. He approaches Lord Shiva with complete humility, acknowledging himself as a helpless soul and relying solely on the Lord’s infinite grace for protection