Shloka 74
एवं च महिमा तेषां वर्द्धितः शङ्करेण हि । तस्माच्च वटुकाः श्रेष्ठाः पुरा विद्भिः प्रकीर्तिताः
evaṃ ca mahimā teṣāṃ varddhitaḥ śaṅkareṇa hi | tasmācca vaṭukāḥ śreṣṭhāḥ purā vidbhiḥ prakīrtitāḥ
Thus indeed their glory was increased by Śaṅkara, Lord Śiva. Therefore, in ancient times the wise proclaimed the Vaṭukas as the foremost.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Bhairava
Sthala Purana: No specific Jyotirliṅga is named here; the verse functions as a doctrinal/narrative bridge praising Śaṅkara’s bestowal of status upon the Vaṭukas (attendant, vrata-observing forms associated in later Śaiva practice with Bhairava/gaṇa retinues).
Significance: Hearing/remembering Śiva’s anugraha (grace) toward His attendants is presented as a model for devotees: proximity to Śiva is gained through discipline, service, and Śiva’s favor.
FAQs
It teaches that spiritual eminence is not self-made pride but grace-bestowed greatness: Śiva (Śaṅkara) increases the glory of those aligned with him, and the wise recognize such Śaiva excellence as truly “foremost.”
By naming Śaṅkara as the one who augments their greatness, the verse emphasizes Saguna Śiva’s active compassion—worship of Śiva (including Liṅga-upāsanā) is portrayed as a living relationship where the Lord uplifts and ennobles his devotees/attendants.
The practical takeaway is Śiva-bhakti with disciplined conduct like the Vaṭukas—regular japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), along with Śaiva marks such as bhasma (tripuṇḍra) and a devotional lifestyle that invites Śiva’s grace.