Shloka 21
ज्योतिर्लिङ्गमाहात्म्य-प्रस्तावना तथा सोमनाथ-प्रसङ्गः
Prologue to the Glory and Origin of the Jyotirliṅgas; Somnātha Episode Begins
विज्ञापिताश्च चन्द्रेण सर्वे शक्रादयस्सुराः । ऋषयश्च वसिष्ठाद्या ब्रह्माणं शरणं ययु
vijñāpitāśca candreṇa sarve śakrādayassurāḥ | ṛṣayaśca vasiṣṭhādyā brahmāṇaṃ śaraṇaṃ yayu
Von Candra unterrichtet, gingen alle Götter, beginnend mit Śakra (Indra), und die Weisen, beginnend mit Vasiṣṭha, zu Brahmā, um Zuflucht zu suchen.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga episode; the verse sets up a crisis narrative (Candra’s affliction) that will later require divine resolution.
Significance: General purāṇic teaching: even devas and ṛṣis seek higher refuge when bound by karma and curse; encourages śaraṇāgati and humility.
Cosmic Event: Devas and ṛṣis respond to a curse-driven cosmic imbalance (a dharmic crisis affecting worlds).
FAQs
The verse highlights śaraṇāgati—seeking refuge when cosmic order is disturbed. Even devas and great ṛṣis, despite their power and austerity, acknowledge a higher guiding authority and move together in humility, a key Shaiva virtue that ultimately culminates in turning toward Shiva as the supreme protector (Pati).
Narratively, the devas’ appeal to Brahmā often functions as a step that leads to Shiva’s intervention through a manifest (saguṇa) form—frequently connected with a sacred tīrtha or Jyotirlinga setting in the Koṭirudrasaṃhitā. It underscores that divine help becomes accessible through Shiva’s gracious manifestation, which devotees approach via Linga-worship.
The practical takeaway is to adopt śaraṇa-bhāva (the attitude of taking refuge): daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” coupled with a brief prayer of surrender before worship. If following Shaiva custom, this can be supported with Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) application and mindful remembrance of Shiva as the ultimate refuge.