Shloka 19
Andhakeśvara-liṅga Māhātmya and Śiva’s Subjugation of Andhaka (अन्धकेश्वरलिङ्गमाहात्म्य तथा अन्धकवध-प्रसङ्ग)
ऋषय ऊचुः । देवलकश्च कः प्रोक्तः किं कार्यं तस्य विद्यते । तत्त्वं वद महाप्राज्ञ लोकानां हितहेतवे
ṛṣaya ūcuḥ | devalakaśca kaḥ proktaḥ kiṃ kāryaṃ tasya vidyate | tattvaṃ vada mahāprājña lokānāṃ hitahetave
The sages said: “Who is this Devalaka that has been mentioned, and what purpose does he serve? O greatly wise one, tell us the truth of it for the welfare of all beings.”
The sages (ṛṣis) at Naimiṣāraṇya
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It presents the Shaiva ideal of dharma-based inquiry: seekers ask for the essential truth (tattva) not for curiosity, but for loka-hita—spiritual welfare—showing that right questioning and listening to scripture are themselves purifying.
In the Kotirudra context, such questions typically introduce a sacred narrative connected to Shiva’s manifestations and pilgrimage-teachings; understanding “who” and “why” behind a figure or episode supports informed devotion to Saguna Shiva and the Jyotirlinga tradition rather than blind ritualism.
The implied practice is śravaṇa and manana—devotional listening and reflection in satsanga—often paired in Shaiva tradition with japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) as one seeks tattva for the good of all.