Shloka 72
Andhakeśvara-liṅga Māhātmya and Śiva’s Subjugation of Andhaka (अन्धकेश्वरलिङ्गमाहात्म्य तथा अन्धकवध-प्रसङ्ग)
ब्रह्मभोजे महाराज वटुको भोजितः पुरा । चण्डीपुत्रश्शिवस्तुष्टस्तस्माच्च पतितो ध्वजः
brahmabhoje mahārāja vaṭuko bhojitaḥ purā | caṇḍīputraśśivastuṣṭastasmācca patito dhvajaḥ
O great king, long ago, at a sacred feeding offered as a ‘Brahma-feast’, a young brahmacārin was duly fed. Śiva—appearing as the son of Caṇḍī—was pleased by that act; and from that very occasion the banner fell down (as a sign).
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Bhairava
Sthala Purana: The brāhmaṇas reveal the cause: in a prior brahmabhoja, a vaṭu was fed; Śiva, manifesting as ‘Caṇḍī’s son’, was pleased, and the dhvaja’s falling functioned as a divine sign (nimitta) marking Śiva’s presence/acceptance and the extraordinary nature of the recipient.
Significance: Affirms bhakti and hospitality (anna-dāna) as direct triggers of Śiva’s grace; teaches that Śiva may appear in unexpected guises to test and bless devotees.
Shakti Form: Caṇḍikā
Role: destructive
Offering: naivedya
FAQs
The verse highlights that sincere service (especially annadāna and honoring a disciplined brahmacārin) becomes an offering to Pati, Lord Śiva, who responds with visible signs of grace—showing that devotion expressed through righteous action purifies the soul and supports liberation.
In Kotirudra narratives, Saguna Śiva often confirms devotion through tangible signs. Feeding offered in a sacred context is treated as worship itself—like serving the Linga with upacāras—where the devotee’s act becomes the medium through which Śiva’s presence is recognized.
Perform annadāna/brahmabhoja with purity and a Shaiva intention—mentally offering the act to Śiva while repeating the Panchākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya); this aligns outer charity with inner remembrance.