Shloka 16
गौतमस्य शिवदर्शनं पापक्षयवचनं च | Gautama’s Vision of Śiva and the Teaching on Sin and Purification
सूत उवाच । गौतमोऽपि विचार्यैव लोके विश्रुतमित्युत । अन्यथा न भवेदेव तस्मादुक्तं समाचरेत्
sūta uvāca | gautamo'pi vicāryaiva loke viśrutamityuta | anyathā na bhavedeva tasmāduktaṃ samācaret
Sūta said: Having reflected, Gautama too affirmed, “Indeed, this is renowned in the world; it cannot be otherwise.” Therefore, one should duly practice exactly as has been prescribed.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse emphasizes śāstra-prāmāṇya (the trustworthiness of scriptural instruction): after reflection, the sage accepts that the teaching is universally upheld and therefore should be practiced as taught—supporting steady bhakti and disciplined conduct toward Shiva.
In the Kotirudra context—where Jyotirlinga glory and observances are taught—it reinforces that Linga-worship and related vows/pilgrimages bear fruit when performed according to the prescribed method, honoring Saguna Shiva through correct ritual and devotion.
The practical takeaway is ‘do as instructed’: observe the stated Shiva-vrata and worship procedure without alteration—such as regular Linga-pūjā with mantra-japa (e.g., Panchakshara), and other prescribed disciplines in the surrounding passage.