Shloka 6
Andhakeśvara-liṅga Māhātmya and Śiva’s Subjugation of Andhaka (अन्धकेश्वरलिङ्गमाहात्म्य तथा अन्धकवध-प्रसङ्ग)
सूत उवाच । तदाकर्ण्य वचस्तेषां देवानां परमेश्वरः । प्रत्युवाच प्रसन्नात्मा दुष्टहंता सतां गतिः
sūta uvāca | tadākarṇya vacasteṣāṃ devānāṃ parameśvaraḥ | pratyuvāca prasannātmā duṣṭahaṃtā satāṃ gatiḥ
Sūta said: Hearing those words of the gods, the Supreme Lord (Śiva)—serene in heart, the destroyer of the wicked and the refuge of the righteous—replied to them with gracious composure.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Type: stotra
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It presents Śiva as Parameśvara who listens to sincere prayers and responds from prasāda (grace). As “satāṃ gatiḥ,” He is the ultimate refuge and goal for the righteous, emphasizing devotion aligned with dharma.
The verse highlights Saguna Śiva—personal, responsive, compassionate—who engages with the Devas’ supplication. In Linga-worship, the devotee similarly approaches Śiva as the accessible Lord who grants protection and guidance through grace.
A practical takeaway is śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) through japa of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” combined with a sattvic intention—seeking Śiva’s grace to overcome inner “wickedness” (adharma, ego) and stabilize devotion.