Shloka 17
Harīśvara-liṅga Mahimā and the Origin-Context of Viṣṇu’s Sudarśana (हरिश्वरलिङ्गमहिमा तथा सुदर्शनप्राप्तिकथा)
विचार्यैवं स्वमनसि सेवनं बहुधा कृतम् । तथापि न हरस्तुष्टो बभूवोतिकरः प्रभुः
vicāryaivaṃ svamanasi sevanaṃ bahudhā kṛtam | tathāpi na harastuṣṭo babhūvotikaraḥ prabhuḥ
Thus reflecting within his own mind, he performed many kinds of service and worship; yet even then Lord Hara was not pleased, and the sovereign Lord became exceedingly stern.
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Rudra
Sthala Purana: Despite varied sevā (bahudhā-sevana), Śiva remains unpleased—an illustration that multiplicity of external rites without the ripening condition (adhikāra) may not immediately yield prasāda; concealment persists until maturity.
Significance: Encourages sincerity and inner transformation over mere ritual variety; underscores perseverance when grace seems delayed.
Role: teaching
FAQs
It teaches that repeated acts of worship (sevana) alone do not compel Śiva; the Lord responds to inner sincerity, humility, and purity of intention, not merely to quantity or variety of practices.
Linga-worship is a Saguna support for devotion, but this verse cautions that outward offerings without inner alignment (bhāva) may not please Hara; true Linga-sevā must be joined with devotion, self-restraint, and surrender to the Lord as Pati.
Emphasize bhāva-śuddhi alongside practice: japa of the Panchākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with repentance and humility, and disciplined worship (e.g., Tripuṇḍra/bhasma and Rudrākṣa) performed without pride, as service to Śiva.