Shloka 20
Nāgeśa-jyotirliṅga-prādurbhāvaḥ — The Manifestation of the Nāgeśa Jyotirliṅga
तथैव स्थीयते चेद्वै भक्ष्यते किं परस्परम् । दुःखं हि सर्वथा जातं क एनं विनिवारयेत्
tathaiva sthīyate cedvai bhakṣyate kiṃ parasparam | duḥkhaṃ hi sarvathā jātaṃ ka enaṃ vinivārayet
وإن استمرّ الأمر على حاله، فلماذا تلتهم الكائناتُ بعضَها بعضًا؟ لقد نشأ الألم من كل جهة؛ فمن ذا الذي يقدر أن يدرأه ما دامت هذه الأذية المتبادلة قائمة؟
Suta Goswami (narrating the puranic discourse to the sages, consistent with Kotirudra Saṃhitā framing)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse points to a core Shaiva ethical insight: when beings live by mutual consumption and harm, duḥkha becomes universal and self-perpetuating. Spiritual progress requires restraint and a turn toward dharma, so the heart becomes fit for Shiva’s grace (anugraha) and liberation.
Linga-worship is not only external ritual but an inner reorientation from violence and agitation to śānti and self-control. Approaching Saguna Shiva as the compassionate Lord implies embodying His dharmic qualities—reducing harm, cultivating purity, and seeking refuge in Shiva rather than in predatory impulses.
A practical takeaway is to adopt a vrata of restraint (saṃyama)—non-harming, moderation, and japa of the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”)—especially on Mahāśivarātri, supported by simple worship with bhasma/tripuṇḍra and prayer for inner purification.