Shloka 47
गौतमविघ्नप्रकरणम्
Episode of Obstacles to Gautama; Gaṇeśa’s Appearing Through Misguided Worship
सूत उवाच । इत्युक्तास्ते तदा विप्रा नोचुश्चैव परस्परम् । अत्यंतं सेवया पृष्टा मिलिता ह्येकतस्स्थिताः
sūta uvāca | ityuktāste tadā viprā nocuścaiva parasparam | atyaṃtaṃ sevayā pṛṣṭā militā hyekatassthitāḥ
Sūta said: Thus addressed, those brāhmaṇa sages did not speak among themselves. Having been questioned with great humility and reverent service, they gathered together and stood in one place.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga setting; the sages’ silence and gathering indicates deliberation before prescribing an expiation—ritual and ethical authority is collectively exercised.
FAQs
It highlights the Shaiva ethic of receptivity: true spiritual discourse arises from humility, respectful inquiry, and disciplined silence rather than idle debate—preparing the mind for Shiva-tattva (the truth of Pati).
Linga-worship in the Shiva Purana is sustained by bhakti expressed as seva and reverent attention; the sages’ gathered stillness reflects the inner posture needed for approaching Saguna Shiva through ritual, pilgrimage, and listening (śravaṇa).
The practical takeaway is sevā with focused listening: sit together in satsanga, restrain unnecessary speech, and inquire respectfully—an attitude that supports japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and mindful worship.