Shloka 60
Andhakeśvara-liṅga Māhātmya and Śiva’s Subjugation of Andhaka (अन्धकेश्वरलिङ्गमाहात्म्य तथा अन्धकवध-प्रसङ्ग)
शुभं वाप्यशुभं वापि बटुकं न परित्यजेत् । प्राजापत्ये च भोज्ये वै वटुरेको विशिष्यते
śubhaṃ vāpyaśubhaṃ vāpi baṭukaṃ na parityajet | prājāpatye ca bhojye vai vaṭureko viśiṣyate
Whether the occasion is auspicious or inauspicious, one should not dismiss a baṭuka (a young brahmacārin). Indeed, in the ritual meal offered in the prājāpatya rite, a single baṭuka is regarded as especially eminent.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva Purana teachings to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
FAQs
It teaches that reverence toward a baṭuka (symbol of discipline, purity, and Vedic restraint) should be maintained in all circumstances; honoring such embodied sattva supports dharma and purifies the devotee’s intent—key to Shaiva worship bearing fruit.
In Linga-worship, outer offerings are meant to express inner reverence; feeding and not dismissing a worthy brahmacārin reflects the same bhāva of honoring Shiva present in beings, making pilgrimage and Jyotirlinga devotion complete through right conduct.
It implies a practical vow of seva: respectfully hosting/feeding a baṭuka during prescribed rites and maintaining purity of conduct; as a meditative takeaway, cultivate humility and steadiness (brahmacarya-bhāva) alongside mantra-japa.