Shloka 5
अविमुक्तक्षेत्रमाहात्म्य
The Greatness of Avimukta–Vārāṇasī and Viśveśvara
सूत उवाच । देव्यास्तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा देवदेवो जगत्प्रभुः । प्रत्युवाच भवानीं तां जीवानां प्रियहेतवे
sūta uvāca | devyāstadvacanaṃ śrutvā devadevo jagatprabhuḥ | pratyuvāca bhavānīṃ tāṃ jīvānāṃ priyahetave
Sūta said: Having heard the Goddess’s words, the God of gods—the Lord of the universe—replied to Bhavānī, for the sake of what is dear and beneficial to living beings.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Jyotirlinga: Viśvanātha
Sthala Purana: Śiva’s response is explicitly motivated by jīva-hita (‘for what is dear/beneficial to living beings’), aligning the forthcoming Avimukta teaching with the doctrine that liberation is effected by Śiva’s grace, especially accessible in Kāśī under Viśveśvara.
Significance: Frames the entire Kāśī revelation as an act of anugraha: the Lord speaks so that bound souls may gain the means and confidence for mokṣa.
Shakti Form: Bhavānī
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It frames Shiva’s forthcoming instruction as loka-anugraha—compassionate guidance given for the true welfare of jīvas, showing Pati (Shiva) as the gracious Lord who responds to Devī to uplift bound souls.
By presenting Shiva as ‘Jagatprabhu’ who speaks for the good of beings, it supports Saguna worship—approaching the Lord through form, name, and dialogue—through which devotees receive teachings that lead toward inner realization.
The verse itself is introductory, but it points to listening (śravaṇa) and receptive devotion; practically, one can prepare to receive Shiva’s teaching through japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and steady contemplation on Shiva as Jagatprabhu.