Shloka 20
यक्षेश्वरावतारः (Yakṣeśvara-Avatāra) and the Nīlakaṇṭha Paradigm in the Churning of the Ocean
यक्षेश्वर उवाच । किमर्थं संस्थिता यूयमत्र सर्वे सुरा मिथः । किमु काष्ठाखिलम्ब्रूत कारणं मेनुपृच्छते
yakṣeśvara uvāca | kimarthaṃ saṃsthitā yūyamatra sarve surā mithaḥ | kimu kāṣṭhākhilambrūta kāraṇaṃ menupṛcchate
যক্ষেশ্বর বলল: “তোমরা সকল দেবতা এখানে একসঙ্গে কেন দাঁড়িয়ে আছ? আমি জিজ্ঞাসা করছি—অতএব গোপন না করে সত্য কারণ বলো।”
Yakṣēśvara (Lord of the Yakṣas, i.e., Kubera)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
It highlights truthful inquiry (satya-prashna) before divine action—an essential Shaiva virtue where even gods must clearly state their intent when approaching matters connected to the Supreme Lord (Pati) and cosmic order.
The verse sets a narrative tone of seeking a definite cause and purpose—mirroring how devotees approach Saguna Shiva or the Linga with clear sankalpa (intention) and open confession of need, rather than hidden motives.
A practical takeaway is to begin Shiva worship with a clear sankalpa and honest self-inquiry—mentally stating one’s purpose before japa of “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” rather than performing ritual mechanically.