Shloka 21
Anasūyā–Atri Tapas-Varṇana
Description of Anasūyā and Atri’s Austerities
विह्वलाश्चाभवंस्तत्र तेजसा दूरतः स्थिताः । अग्निं दृष्ट्वा यथा दूरे वर्तन्ते तद्वदेव हि
vihvalāścābhavaṃstatra tejasā dūrataḥ sthitāḥ | agniṃ dṛṣṭvā yathā dūre vartante tadvadeva hi
There they became bewildered and, unable to bear that radiance, remained at a distance. Indeed, just as people keep far away on seeing a blazing fire, so did they stay away in the same manner.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Significance: The verse evokes the experiential distance created by overwhelming tejas; in tīrtha-visit idiom this maps to approaching Śiva’s presence with humility and gradual inner purification rather than mere physical proximity.
FAQs
It teaches that Shiva’s divine tejas is not merely physical light but the overwhelming presence of Pati (the Lord). When the ego and senses are unrefined, the jīva naturally recoils; reverent distance symbolizes the need for inner purification and humility before approaching Shiva.
The Linga is a merciful Saguna focus through which the infinite tejas becomes approachable. This verse contrasts raw divine radiance (hard to face directly) with the grace-filled means of worship—darśana, mantra, and devotion—by which devotees can steadily draw near.
Approach Shiva gradually through disciplined bhakti: japa of the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), wearing/holding rudrākṣa, and applying tripuṇḍra bhasma—practices that steady the mind so it can bear greater spiritual intensity.