Shloka 17
ओंकार-परमेश-लिङ्गकथा — The Narrative of the Oṃkāra Parameśa Liṅga
Gokarṇa–Vindhya Episode
सूत उवाच । तच्छ्रुत्वा भगवाञ्छंभुश्चिचेत हृदये चिरम् । परोपतापदं विन्ध्यो वरमिच्छति मूढधीः
sūta uvāca | tacchrutvā bhagavāñchaṃbhuściceta hṛdaye ciram | paropatāpadaṃ vindhyo varamicchati mūḍhadhīḥ
Sūta said: Hearing that, the Blessed Lord Śambhu reflected within His heart for a long time: “Vindhya, of deluded understanding, seeks a boon that would become a cause of torment to others.”
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
FAQs
It shows Śiva as the compassionate Pati (Lord) who discerns the inner motive behind a request; a desire that causes “paropātāpa” (harm to others) is marked as delusion, and true devotion is aligned with dharma and auspiciousness.
In Saguna worship, devotees approach Śiva with petitions, but the Purana emphasizes that Śiva’s grace is not a license for egoic harm; Linga-bhakti is meant to purify intention so the devotee’s will aligns with Śiva’s dharmic, world-sustaining compassion.
Before asking for boons, practice self-examination with japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and offer bhasma/tripundra with a sankalpa for lokahita (welfare of all), abandoning wishes rooted in pride, rivalry, or injury.