Shloka 8
Andhakeśvara-liṅga Māhātmya and Śiva’s Subjugation of Andhaka (अन्धकेश्वरलिङ्गमाहात्म्य तथा अन्धकवध-प्रसङ्ग)
तस्माद्गर्तादंधके हि देवर्षिद्रुहि भीकरे । निस्सृते च तदा तस्मिन्देवा गर्तमुपाश्रिताः
tasmādgartādaṃdhake hi devarṣidruhi bhīkare | nissṛte ca tadā tasmindevā gartamupāśritāḥ
When Andhaka—terrifying and hostile even to the gods and the devarṣi sages—came forth from that pit, then the Devas, in fear, took refuge in that very pit as their shelter.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Bhairava
FAQs
The verse highlights how adharma becomes “terrifying” when it turns against the devas and rishis; it also shows that in crisis, beings instinctively seek refuge—pointing to the Shaiva ideal that true refuge is ultimately in Pati (Lord Shiva), not in unstable external supports.
Though the verse is narrative, its underlying message aligns with Saguna Shiva worship: when chaos arises, devotees turn toward a tangible refuge—Shiva’s presence as Linga and as the protecting Lord—rather than relying on worldly power that can be overturned by fear.
The practical takeaway is śaraṇāgati (seeking refuge) through japa of the Panchakshara—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—and steadying the mind with simple Shiva-upasana (offering water/bhasma with devotion), especially when fear or agitation arises.