Shloka 16
Gaṅgā-Avataraṇa and the Naming of Gaṅgādvāra (गङ्गावतरणम्—गङ्गाद्वारप्रसिद्धिः)
शतमेकोत्तरं चात्र कार्य्यं प्रक्रमणं गिरेः । भवच्छासनतस्त्वेतैस्त्वदधीनैर्विशेषतः
śatamekottaraṃ cātra kāryyaṃ prakramaṇaṃ gireḥ | bhavacchāsanatastvetaistvadadhīnairviśeṣataḥ
“Here, the circumambulation of the mountain is to be performed one hundred and one times. And this, especially, shall be carried out by those under your authority, in accordance with your command.”
Lord Shiva (issuing an instruction within the Jyotirlinga/pilgrimage context)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Jyotirlinga: Kedāranātha
Sthala Purana: Śiva prescribes a regulated pilgrimage-dharma: repeated pradakṣiṇā of the sacred mountain as an act of obedience (ājñā) and purification, establishing the mountain-kṣetra as a grace-bearing field where even the unqualified can be lifted by right performance under Śiva’s ordinance.
Significance: Mountain-pradakṣiṇā performed as Śiva’s command is treated as a śaraṇāgati-act that weakens pāśa (bondage) and ripens adhikāra for darśana and śiva-anugraha.
FAQs
The verse emphasizes disciplined bhakti expressed through a sacred act (pradakṣiṇā). In Shaiva understanding, repeated circumambulation symbolizes placing Shiva—the Pati (Lord)—at the center of one’s life, aligning body and will with divine command.
In Kotirudra contexts, pilgrimage and pradakṣiṇā function as Saguna Shiva-upāsanā—devotion through form, place, and rite. Circumambulating the sacred hill mirrors circumambulating the Jyotirlinga, acknowledging Shiva’s living presence in the tīrtha.
Perform 101 pradakṣiṇās with steady japa—traditionally the Panchākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—keeping a devotional focus and humility, as the act is to be done in accordance with Shiva’s injunction.