Shloka 8
Nāgeśa-jyotirliṅga-prādurbhāvaḥ — The Manifestation of the Nāgeśa Jyotirliṅga
ते सर्वे पीडिता लोका और्वस्य शरणं ययुः । नत्वा प्रीत्या विशेषेण तमूचुर्नतमस्तकाः
te sarve pīḍitā lokā aurvasya śaraṇaṃ yayuḥ | natvā prītyā viśeṣeṇa tamūcurnatamastakāḥ
All those beings, tormented and distressed, went to Aurva for refuge. Bowing down with special devotion and affection, they addressed him with their heads bent in humility.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Purana account to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Sthala Purana: The verse sets up a refuge-seeking episode: afflicted beings approach a powerful ṛṣi (Aurva) as a proximate protector. In Jyotirliṅga-style narratives, such approach typically precedes Śiva’s intervention or the establishment/manifestation of a sacred locus, but this śloka itself does not name a Jyotirliṅga.
Significance: Śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) is framed as the first movement toward protection and eventual grace; the merit is the cultivation of humility and dependence on dharma and divine aid.
FAQs
The verse highlights śaraṇāgati—taking refuge with humility. In Shaiva understanding, the ego bows down first; then guidance and grace become accessible, leading the afflicted from fear toward protection and right conduct.
Approaching Aurva with bowed head mirrors how devotees approach Saguna Shiva in Linga-worship—through namaskara, reverence, and surrender. The attitude (bhakti and humility) is treated as essential for receiving Shiva’s protective grace.
A practical takeaway is daily namaskara with a refuge-prayer—mentally offering one’s distress at Shiva’s feet, repeating a Shiva mantra (such as the Panchakshara) with humility and devotion.