Shloka 45
प्रणवार्थ-शिवतत्त्व-निर्णयः
The Determination of Śiva as the Meaning of Praṇava
आपद्धनध्वान्तसहस्रभानवः समीहिता र्थार्पणकामधेनवः । समस्ततीर्थांबुपवित्रमूर्त्तयो रक्षंतु मां ब्राह्मणपादपांसवः
āpaddhanadhvāntasahasrabhānavaḥ samīhitā rthārpaṇakāmadhenavaḥ | samastatīrthāṃbupavitramūrttayo rakṣaṃtu māṃ brāhmaṇapādapāṃsavaḥ
May the dust from the feet of the Brahmanas protect me—shining like a thousand suns to dispel the darkness of misfortune; granting all desired aims like the wish-fulfilling cow Kāmadhenu; and sanctified in form as though bathed in the waters of all sacred tīrthas.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga narrative; continues the stuti of brāhmaṇa-pāda-pāṃsu as protective, wish-fulfilling, and tīrtha-saturated purity—strengthening the śrāddha’s satkāra limb.
Significance: Reframes pilgrimage merit (tīrtha-ambu) as internalized through reverence to dharma-knowers; promises rakṣā (protection) and removal of āpada (misfortune).
Mantra: आपद्धनध्वान्तसहस्रभानवः समीहिता र्थार्पणकामधेनवः । समस्ततीर्थांबुपवित्रमूर्त्तयो रक्षंतु मां ब्राह्मणपादपांसवः
Type: stotra
Role: liberating
FAQs
It teaches that contact with the holy—symbolized by the dust of Brahmanas’ feet—removes the “darkness” of adversity and purifies the seeker, emphasizing humility, satsanga, and reverence as aids to grace on the Shaiva path.
In Shaiva practice, honoring Shiva’s devotees and upholders of dharma is part of Saguna devotion: service (sevā) and reverence refine the heart, making one fit for Linga-worship and for receiving Shiva’s anugraha (grace).
Practice respectful service to Brahmanas/saints (anna-dāna, hospitality, seeking blessings) and cultivate humility before beginning japa (e.g., Panchakshara) or Linga-puja, treating satsanga itself as a purifier like a tīrtha.