Shloka 20
ज्योतिर्लिङ्गमाहात्म्य-प्रस्तावना तथा सोमनाथ-प्रसङ्गः
Prologue to the Glory and Origin of the Jyotirliṅgas; Somnātha Episode Begins
देवर्षयस्तदा सर्वे किं कार्य्यं हा कथं भवेत् । इति दुःखं समापन्ना विह्वला ह्यभवन्मुने
devarṣayastadā sarve kiṃ kāryyaṃ hā kathaṃ bhavet | iti duḥkhaṃ samāpannā vihvalā hyabhavanmune
Da wurden alle göttlichen Rishis von Kummer überwältigt und gerieten in Bestürzung, indem sie sprachen: „Weh! Was ist zu tun? Wie kann dies geschehen?“ O Weiser.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga narrative; the devas’ helplessness (‘what is to be done?’) is the classic narrative hinge that leads to seeking Śiva as the supreme refuge and granter of grace.
Significance: Models śaraṇāgati (taking refuge): when cosmic/ritual order is threatened, the wise turn toward Śiva for anugraha rather than mere worldly remedy.
Role: liberating
Cosmic Event: Crisis-response moment among devas/ṛṣis due to lunar decline affecting cosmic timing and wellbeing.
FAQs
It shows the human-like limitation even of great sages: when worldly means fail, distress becomes the turning point that directs the seeker toward surrender to Pati (Shiva), the supreme refuge beyond pasha (bondage) and confusion.
The sages’ question—“What should we do?”—sets the devotional frame in which Saguna Shiva (approached through Linga-worship, pilgrimage, and prayer) becomes the accessible means to regain order, protection, and clarity.
In moments of agitation, take refuge in japa of the Panchakshara (“Om Namah Shivaya”) with steady breath; if following Shiva Purana observances, support it with Tripundra (bhasma) and simple Shiva-aradhana to calm the mind and reorient to dharma.