Shloka 8
ज्योतिर्लिङ्ग-तदुपलिङ्ग-माहात्म्यवर्णनम्
Narration of the Greatness of the Jyotirliṅga and Associated Liṅgas
सूत उवाच । साधुपृष्टमृषिश्रेष्ठ लोकानां हितकाम्यया । कथयामि भवत्स्नेहात्तानि संक्षेपतो द्विजाः
sūta uvāca | sādhupṛṣṭamṛṣiśreṣṭha lokānāṃ hitakāmyayā | kathayāmi bhavatsnehāttāni saṃkṣepato dvijāḥ
Sūta said: O best of sages, you have asked well, seeking the welfare of the worlds. Out of affection for you, O twice-born ones, I shall relate those matters concisely.
Suta Goswami (Sūta)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Sthala Purana: Sūta accepts the request and promises a saṃkṣepa (concise) narration—typical of Purāṇic transmission where vast kṣetra-liṅga traditions are distilled for listeners.
Significance: Emphasizes śravaṇa-phala: faithful listening to liṅga-māhātmya is itself meritorious and a preparatory means toward Śiva’s grace.
FAQs
It establishes the dharmic motive for listening and teaching: sacred narration is meant for loka-hita (the welfare of all) and is transmitted through compassion and satsanga, preparing the mind for Shaiva devotion and liberating knowledge.
By framing the coming teachings as beneficial for the world, Sūta signals that devotion to Saguna Shiva—especially through Jyotirlinga-kathā and pilgrimage—serves as an accessible path that purifies the devotee and leads toward realization of Shiva as the supreme Pati.
The practical takeaway is śravaṇa (devout listening) and saṅkṣepa-kathā (focused contemplation of core teachings); this supports steady japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and disciplined devotional practice.