Shloka 67
रावणस्य तपः-शिवानुग्रहः — Rāvaṇa’s Austerity and Śiva’s Bestowal of Grace
सूत उवाच । इत्युक्तस्स हितं मेने रावणो विधिमोहित । सत्यं मत्वा मुनेर्वाक्यं कैलासमगमत्तदा
sūta uvāca | ityuktassa hitaṃ mene rāvaṇo vidhimohita | satyaṃ matvā munervākyaṃ kailāsamagamattadā
Sūta sprach: So angesprochen, hielt Rāvaṇa—vom Gebot des Schicksals betört—es für sein eigenes Heil. Die Worte des Weisen für wahr erachtend, brach er damals auf und ging nach Kailāsa.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Significance: Highlights the working of vidhi (destiny) as a mode of bondage: the pilgrim learns that mere power and literalism misread divine speech; sacred geography demands humility and discernment.
FAQs
The verse highlights how even a powerful being like Rāvaṇa is moved by a higher order (vidhi) and the truthful counsel of a sage, indicating that grace and right direction can turn one toward Śiva’s abode (Kailāsa) despite delusion.
Kailāsa symbolizes Saguna Śiva’s sacred presence and accessible lordship; the narrative frames approaching Śiva through trust in satya (truth) and guidance from realized devotees—an attitude essential for fruitful Linga-worship and pilgrimage.
A practical takeaway is to cultivate satya and śraddhā (trust) in guru-saintly instruction, supporting Shiva-upāsanā through japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) before undertaking pilgrimage or any vow-based worship.