Shloka 22
Gaṅgā-Avataraṇa and the Naming of Gaṅgādvāra (गङ्गावतरणम्—गङ्गाद्वारप्रसिद्धिः)
गौतमो ऋषयश्चान्ये मिलिताश्च परस्परम् । लज्जितास्ते तदा ये च कृतघ्ना ह्यभवन्पुरा
gautamo ṛṣayaścānye militāśca parasparam | lajjitāste tadā ye ca kṛtaghnā hyabhavanpurā
Da versammelten sich Gautama und die anderen ṛṣi miteinander. Diejenigen, die zuvor undankbar gewesen waren, wurden damals von Scham ergriffen.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Sthala Purana: This verse advances the Gautama narrative: sages assemble; prior kṛtaghnatā (ingratitude) ripens into lajja (shame). It is ethical-psychological groundwork rather than a site-specific Jyotirliṅga episode.
Significance: Moral purification: recognition of fault (lajjā) is portrayed as the turning point that prepares for reconciliation, expiation, and renewed dharma.
FAQs
The verse highlights an inner Shaiva ethic: when truth is recognized, the heart turns from kṛtaghnatā (ingratitude) to lajjā (wholesome remorse). Such shame is not self-hatred but a purifying awakening that prepares one for devotion (bhakti) and right conduct (dharma) on the path toward Shiva’s grace.
In Kotirudra contexts, encounters with Shiva’s sacred presence (often through Jyotirlinga narratives) transform character. This verse shows that proximity to Shiva’s sanctity and to dharmic counsel among sages leads to repentance—an essential disposition for approaching the Linga with sincerity rather than pride or entitlement.
The practical takeaway is self-examination and confession-like repentance before worship: approach Shiva with gratitude, recite the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with humility, and mentally renounce past ingratitude before performing simple Linga-pūjā (water offering) or meditation.