Shloka 4
Andhakeśvara-liṅga Māhātmya and Śiva’s Subjugation of Andhaka (अन्धकेश्वरलिङ्गमाहात्म्य तथा अन्धकवध-प्रसङ्ग)
तस्माद्गर्ताच्च निस्सृत्य पीडयित्वा पुनः प्रजाः । प्राविशच्च तदा दैत्यस्तं गर्तं सुपराक्रमः
tasmādgartācca nissṛtya pīḍayitvā punaḥ prajāḥ | prāviśacca tadā daityastaṃ gartaṃ suparākramaḥ
Then, emerging from that pit, the mighty demon again oppressed the people; and after doing so, that exceedingly valiant one re-entered the same pit.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Bhairava
Sthala Purana: Continues the Andhaka backdrop: cyclical emergence to oppress and retreat to the pit; this repetitive tyranny sets the stage for Śiva’s decisive intervention and the later liṅga’s sanctity.
Significance: Narrative emphasizes the urgency of seeking Śiva’s protection and the eventual establishment of a sacred locus where oppression is overcome.
FAQs
It portrays the repetitive cycle of harm and fear caused by adharmic forces—symbolizing pāśa (bondage) that repeatedly afflicts beings—implying the need for Shiva (Pati) as the ultimate refuge and liberator.
In the Kotirudra narrative atmosphere, recurring oppression of the prajā highlights why devotees seek Saguna Shiva through Linga worship at Jyotirlinga tīrthas—approaching Shiva’s manifest grace for protection, restoration of dharma, and inner steadiness.
As a practical takeaway, one may adopt daily Panchākṣarī japa (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrākṣa, cultivating fearlessness and remembrance of Shiva when adversity repeatedly arises.