Shloka 32
Gaṅgā-Avataraṇa and the Naming of Gaṅgādvāra (गङ्गावतरणम्—गङ्गाद्वारप्रसिद्धिः)
गौर्हता गौतमेनेति तदा ते कुटिलाशयाः । एकत्रीभूय तत्रत्यैः सकला ऋषयोऽवदन्
gaurhatā gautameneti tadā te kuṭilāśayāḥ | ekatrībhūya tatratyaiḥ sakalā ṛṣayo'vadan
Then those crooked-hearted ones cried, “The cow has been slain by Gautama!” Gathering together, all the sages who were present there spoke out (in accusation).
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Rudra
Sthala Purana: This is the social-ritual crisis point (false charge of go-hatyā) that later necessitates purification; not tied to a specific Jyotirliṅga in this verse.
Significance: Warns against slander and collective injustice; highlights how pāśa operates through social condemnation and misjudgment.
FAQs
It highlights how adharma begins with a crooked intention—false accusation and collective agitation—showing that inner purity (śuddhi of bhāva) is essential for approaching Shiva and receiving grace.
Kotirudrasaṃhitā frames many sacred events around purification and restoration of dharma, which culminate in turning to Saguna Shiva as Linga for refuge and expiation; this verse sets the moral backdrop where sincere devotion contrasts with deceitful conduct.
The takeaway is self-examination and repentance before worship—approach Shiva with truthful speech, mental purity, and disciplined japa (especially the Panchakshara, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) rather than blame and agitation.