Shloka 21
अवंतीस्थ-ब्राह्मणकथा तथा तृतीय-ज्योतिर्लिङ्गोपाख्यान-प्रस्तावना
Avanti Brahmin Narrative and Prelude to the Third Jyotirliṅga
दैत्य उवाच । किमेते ब्राह्मणा दुष्टा न कुर्वंति वचो मम । वेदधर्मरता एते सर्वे दंड्या मते मम
daitya uvāca | kimete brāhmaṇā duṣṭā na kurvaṃti vaco mama | vedadharmaratā ete sarve daṃḍyā mate mama
The Daitya said: “Why do these wicked brāhmaṇas not carry out my command? Since they are devoted to the dharma of the Vedas, in my view they all deserve punishment.”
Daitya (a demon/Asura figure)
Tattva Level: pasha
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga episode; it dramatizes adharma: the asura labels Veda-dharma as ‘fault’ and seeks to punish its adherents—setting the stage for Śiva’s protection of dharma.
Significance: Ethical instruction for pilgrims: contempt for Veda and coercion of the righteous is a symptom of bondage; true ‘ājñā’ (command) is śāstra-guided, not ego-driven.
FAQs
It highlights the opposition between coercive power and dharma: the Daitya condemns brāhmaṇas precisely for remaining faithful to Vedic righteousness, implying that true dharma is not subordinate to fear or worldly authority.
Within Shaiva narrative ethics, steadfast adherence to dharma supports proper Shiva-worship and pilgrimage discipline; the Daitya’s hostility toward Vedic dharma reflects the obstruction that devotees often face before Shiva’s grace restores right order.
The verse implicitly recommends dharma-niṣṭhā (steadfastness in scriptural duty); for Shaiva practice this aligns with regular japa of the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and maintaining purity of conduct despite external pressure.