Shloka 43
अवंतीस्थ-ब्राह्मणकथा तथा तृतीय-ज्योतिर्लिङ्गोपाख्यान-प्रस्तावना
Avanti Brahmin Narrative and Prelude to the Third Jyotirliṅga
भक्त्या प्रणम्य तं देवं शंकरं लोकशंकरम् । तुष्टुवुर्विविधैः स्तोत्रैः कृतांजलिपुटा द्विजाः
bhaktyā praṇamya taṃ devaṃ śaṃkaraṃ lokaśaṃkaram | tuṣṭuvurvividhaiḥ stotraiḥ kṛtāṃjalipuṭā dvijāḥ
Bowing in devotion to that Deva—Śaṅkara, the benefactor of the worlds—the twice-born sages, with hands joined in añjali, praised Him with many kinds of hymns.
Suta Goswami (narrating the events to the sages of Naimisharanya in the Shiva Purana style)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Significance: Models the ideal response of paśu (devotee) to Pati: bhakti, praṇāma, and stuti—seen as direct means to invite Śiva’s anugraha.
Type: stotra
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
The verse highlights bhakti expressed through praṇāma (humble surrender) and stotra (praise), portraying Śiva as Lokāśaṅkara—the one who grants auspiciousness to all worlds—thus indicating devotion as a direct means to receive grace and inner upliftment.
By praising Śaṅkara with folded hands after bowing, the verse reflects Saguna worship—approaching Shiva as the compassionate Lord who can be adored through names, forms, and hymns, which is central to Jyotirlinga and Liṅga devotion in the Kotirudra context.
A simple practice is indicated: begin worship with praṇāma, hold añjali (joined palms), and recite Shiva stotras or the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” with devotion, letting praise become a focused meditation.