Shloka 13
रावणस्य तपः-शिवानुग्रहः — Rāvaṇa’s Austerity and Śiva’s Bestowal of Grace
सूत उवाच । इत्युक्तश्च तदा तेन शंभुर्वै रावणेन सः । प्रत्युवाच विचेतस्कः संकटं परमं गतः
sūta uvāca | ityuktaśca tadā tena śaṃbhurvai rāvaṇena saḥ | pratyuvāca vicetaskaḥ saṃkaṭaṃ paramaṃ gataḥ
Sūta sprach: Als er damals so von Rāvaṇa angesprochen wurde, erwiderte der Herr Śambhu—dessen Geist einen Augenblick schwankte, da er in eine äußerst schwere Bedrängnis geraten war.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Sthala Purana: The ‘predicament’ signals the narrative hinge: Śiva will not be relocated at will; instead, His presence will be ‘concealed/revealed’ through the liṅga with a condition, birthing a later sacred site when the condition is broken or fulfilled.
Significance: Frames the theology of tirodhāna: the Lord may appear constrained for the sake of līlā and dharma, guiding the devotee toward an appropriate form of worship.
FAQs
It marks a turning point in the narrative where even Śiva’s response is framed through the gravity of the situation, highlighting that karmic tensions and devotional confrontations (as with Rāvaṇa) become occasions for Śiva’s purposeful instruction and grace.
By naming Śambhu in direct dialogue with Rāvaṇa, the text emphasizes Saguna Śiva—God who engages devotees personally—an approach foundational to Linga-worship where the devotee approaches Śiva as accessible Lord and refuge.
The practical takeaway is to meet संकट (crisis) with Śiva-smaraṇa—steady remembrance—supported by japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and simple Śiva-pūjā (such as offering water to the Liṅga), cultivating composure where the verse shows disturbance.