Shloka 3
ज्योतिर्लिङ्ग-तदुपलिङ्ग-माहात्म्यवर्णनम्
Narration of the Greatness of the Jyotirliṅga and Associated Liṅgas
ऋषय ऊचुः । सम्यगुक्तं त्वया सूत लोकानां हितकाम्यया । शिवावतारमाहात्म्यं नानाख्यानसमन्वितम्
ṛṣaya ūcuḥ | samyaguktaṃ tvayā sūta lokānāṃ hitakāmyayā | śivāvatāramāhātmyaṃ nānākhyānasamanvitam
The sages said: “O Sūta, you have spoken rightly—out of a desire for the welfare of all beings—about the greatness of Lord Śiva’s descents, enriched with many sacred narratives.”
The sages of Naimiṣāraṇya (ṛṣis) speaking to Sūta Gosvāmin
Tattva Level: pashu
Sthala Purana: Meta-narrative frame: sages affirm Sūta’s earlier account of Śiva’s avatāras/manifestations as lokahita (for the welfare of beings).
Significance: Establishes śravaṇa (listening) to Śiva-kathā as a purifying act that prepares the bound soul (paśu) for grace.
FAQs
It affirms that hearing and transmitting Śiva-kathā—especially the glory of Śiva’s manifestations—serves loka-hita (the spiritual welfare of all), and that true narration is meant to uplift the listener toward devotion and liberation.
By praising Śiva’s avatāra-māhātmya presented through many episodes, the sages endorse Saguna-focused devotion—approaching the transcendent Pati (Śiva) through accessible forms, stories, and sacred symbols such as the Liṅga that concentrate faith and grace.
The implied practice is śravaṇa (devotional listening) and kīrtana (reverent retelling) of Śiva’s glories—ideally accompanied by remembrance of the Panchākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” as one listens.