Shloka 16
Gautama–Ahalyā-Upākhyāna: Durbhikṣa, Tapas, and Varuṇa’s Boon (गौतमाहल्योपाख्यानम्)
इत्युक्ते च कृतस्तेन गर्त्तो हस्तप्रमाणतः । जलेन पूरितस्तेन दिव्येन वरुणेन सः
ityukte ca kṛtastena gartto hastapramāṇataḥ | jalena pūritastena divyena varuṇena saḥ
Als dies gesprochen war, grub er eine Grube von einer Elle Handmaß. Dann füllte er sie mit göttlichem Wasser, von Varuṇa geweiht.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Sthala Purana: The prescribed pit (hand-measure) is excavated and filled with ‘divine’ water by Varuṇa—marking the stabilization (sthiti) of a sacred resource that can serve ongoing ritual/pilgrimage needs.
Significance: Establishes a repeatable locus for purification and worship-support (water for abhiṣeka/snānā), turning a momentary boon into enduring sacred infrastructure.
Role: nurturing
FAQs
The verse highlights ritual purity and sacred preparation: consecrated water (linked with Varuṇa) becomes a supportive means for approaching Shiva’s worship with discipline and sanctity, aligning outer action with inner reverence.
In Jyotirlinga-centered narratives of the Koṭirudrasaṃhitā, preparing a sanctified space and water is part of Saguna Shiva worship—honoring Shiva through tangible rites (abhisheka and purification) that steady devotion and focus.
It suggests preparing a clean worship-spot and using sanctified water for Shiva-abhiṣeka or purification before japa; mentally, one can pair it with Panchakshara remembrance—"Om Namaḥ Śivāya"—while performing the cleansing act.