Shloka 5
महाकालज्योतिर्लिङ्गमाहात्म्ये चन्द्रसेन-चिन्तामणि-प्रसङ्गः
Mahākāla Jyotirliṅga Māhātmya: The Episode of King Candrasena and the Cintāmaṇi
एकदा स गणेन्द्रो हि प्रसन्नास्यो महामणिम् । मणिभद्रो ददौ तस्मै चिंतामणिमुदारधीः
ekadā sa gaṇendro hi prasannāsyo mahāmaṇim | maṇibhadro dadau tasmai ciṃtāmaṇimudāradhīḥ
Once, that lord of the Gaṇas, with a joyful face, bestowed upon him a great jewel—the noble-minded Maṇibhadra gave him the exalted wish-fulfilling gem, the Cintāmaṇi.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: anugraha
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Jyotirlinga: Mahākāleśvara
Sthala Purana: The gaṇa Maṇibhadra’s bestowal of the Cintāmaṇi functions as a narrative catalyst: prosperity and fame around Ujjayinī intensify, drawing attention that culminates in Mahākāla’s protective manifestation in the broader episode.
Significance: Frames Mahākāla-kṣetra as a place where Śiva’s attendants mediate boons; pilgrims seek both worldly welfare and the higher boon of Śiva’s grace.
FAQs
The verse highlights prasāda (grace): when devotion and auspicious conduct ripen, divine attendants of Śiva bestow blessings. In Shaiva Siddhānta terms, external boons symbolize inner upliftment granted through Śiva’s grace rather than mere personal effort.
Kotirudra Saṃhitā emphasizes Saguna Śiva worship—approaching Śiva through sacred forms, places, and attendants. The gifting of Cintāmaṇi reflects how worship of Śiva and His gaṇas yields tangible and intangible fruits, ultimately directing the devotee toward Śiva’s higher grace.
Cultivate a grace-oriented practice: daily pañcākṣarī japa (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with Śiva-pūjā and a prayer for prasāda. The takeaway is to seek Śiva’s anugraha (saving grace) rather than only wish-fulfilling outcomes.