Shloka 51
Ghuśmā–Sudehā: Jealousy, Household Honor, and the Ethics of Śaiva Merit (गुश्मा–सुदेहा प्रसङ्गः)
सुधर्मा स च घुश्मा च सुदेहा च समागताः । प्रदक्षिणं शिवस्याशु शतमेकोत्तरं दधुः
sudharmā sa ca ghuśmā ca sudehā ca samāgatāḥ | pradakṣiṇaṃ śivasyāśu śatamekottaraṃ dadhuḥ
Then Sudharmā, and Ghuśmā, and Sudehā gathered together, and at once performed one hundred and one circumambulations of Lord Śiva in reverent devotion.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Jyotirlinga: Ghṛṣṇeśvara
Sthala Purana: The principal women of the episode assemble and perform 101 pradakṣiṇās around the manifested Liṅga, establishing the site’s devotional praxis.
Significance: Pradakṣiṇā around the jyotirliṅga is framed as immediate bhakti-response; it signifies surrender of the paśu to Pati and accrues puṇya and inner purification.
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It highlights bhakti expressed through pradakṣiṇā: turning one’s whole being around Pati (Śiva) as the supreme center, a simple act that purifies the paśu (bound soul) and loosens pāśa (bondage) through devotion and surrender.
Pradakṣiṇā is a primary upacāra (service) offered to Saguna Śiva, especially the Śiva-liṅga; by circling the sacred presence, devotees affirm Śiva’s immanence and grace, seeking protection and liberation.
Performing 101 pradakṣiṇās with a focused mind—optionally repeating the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” each round—serves as a steady, embodied meditation and a traditional Shaiva vow-like practice.