Shloka 24
अवंतीस्थ-ब्राह्मणकथा तथा तृतीय-ज्योतिर्लिङ्गोपाख्यान-प्रस्तावना
Avanti Brahmin Narrative and Prelude to the Third Jyotirliṅga
अन्यथा जीवने तेषां संशयश्च भविष्यति । इति सत्यं मया प्रोक्तं तत्कुरुध्वं विशंकिताः
anyathā jīvane teṣāṃ saṃśayaśca bhaviṣyati | iti satyaṃ mayā proktaṃ tatkurudhvaṃ viśaṃkitāḥ
Otherwise, doubt will indeed arise regarding their very survival. Thus have I spoken the truth—therefore do it, O you who are uncertain.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Kotirudra Samhita context to the sages, conveying an authoritative instruction within the Jyotirlinga-pilgrimage narrative)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
FAQs
It teaches that hesitation and doubt weaken one’s spiritual resolve; in Shaiva understanding, firm adherence to true instruction (satya-vacana) stabilizes the seeker and prevents wavering in dharma and devotion to Shiva.
Within Jyotirlinga-oriented narration, it underscores that Linga-worship and pilgrimage bear fruit when performed with niścaya (certainty) rather than suspicion—Saguna Shiva’s grace is approached through steady faith and disciplined follow-through.
Complete the intended vow or observance without doubt—such as daily japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), Linga-abhiṣeka, and disciplined vrata—because inconsistency is portrayed as the root of inner uncertainty.