Shloka 19
अवंतीस्थ-ब्राह्मणकथा तथा तृतीय-ज्योतिर्लिङ्गोपाख्यान-प्रस्तावना
Avanti Brahmin Narrative and Prelude to the Third Jyotirliṅga
बहुसैन्यसमायुक्तो दूषणस्स महासुरः । तत्रस्थान्ब्रह्मणान्सर्वानुद्दिश्य समुपाययौ
bahusainyasamāyukto dūṣaṇassa mahāsuraḥ | tatrasthānbrahmaṇānsarvānuddiśya samupāyayau
The great asura Dūṣaṇa, accompanied by a vast army, advanced there, directing his intent toward all the Brāhmaṇas who were staying in that place.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Mahākāla
FAQs
It highlights adharma’s tendency to target the bearers of dharma (the Brāhmaṇas) and sets the stage for Shiva’s protective grace—showing that devotion and righteousness are ultimately safeguarded by Pati (Shiva) against pasha-like forces of violence and ignorance.
Though the verse is narrative, it implicitly points to Saguna Shiva as the active protector within history: when devotees and sacred communities are threatened, refuge in Shiva—often centered on Linga-worship and pilgrimage traditions emphasized in the Koṭirudrasaṃhitā—becomes the living response.
A practical takeaway is seeking protective refuge through japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") and maintaining Shaiva disciplines such as Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrākṣa as reminders of steadfastness amid fear and hostility.