Shloka 26
Andhakeśvara-liṅga Māhātmya and Śiva’s Subjugation of Andhaka (अन्धकेश्वरलिङ्गमाहात्म्य तथा अन्धकवध-प्रसङ्ग)
एवं च शिवरात्रिश्च समायाता कदाचन । तस्यां चोपोषितास्सर्वे स्वयं संयोगतस्तदा
evaṃ ca śivarātriśca samāyātā kadācana | tasyāṃ copoṣitāssarve svayaṃ saṃyogatastadā
In this manner, on one occasion the sacred night of Śiva (Śivarātri) arrived. On that very night, all of them—by a providential convergence—undertook the fast (upoṣa) then.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Sthala Purana: Śivarātri is presented as a providentially potent time-window when ordinary beings are drawn—sometimes ‘by coincidence’—into vrata and upoṣa, revealing Śiva’s governance of karmic timing (tirodhāna/anugraha interplay).
Significance: Śivarātri-vrata and upavāsa are framed as high-yield observances; even accidental alignment with the vrata is spiritually consequential.
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It highlights Śivarātri as an auspicious convergence of time where even an unplanned fast becomes spiritually potent, directing the mind toward Śiva (Pati) and fostering purification and grace.
Śivarātri is traditionally observed with Linga-centered worship—night vigil, offering, and remembrance—where Saguna devotion becomes a doorway to inner stillness and Shiva’s benevolence.
Upoṣa (fasting) on Śivarātri is the key practice implied; it is commonly paired with night-long japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and simple Linga worship.