Shloka 3
Harīśvara-liṅga Mahimā and the Origin-Context of Viṣṇu’s Sudarśana (हरिश्वरलिङ्गमहिमा तथा सुदर्शनप्राप्तिकथा)
चक्रं सुदर्शनं प्राप्तं विष्णुनेति श्रुतं पुरा । तदाराधनतस्तात तत्कथा च विशेषतः
cakraṃ sudarśanaṃ prāptaṃ viṣṇuneti śrutaṃ purā | tadārādhanatastāta tatkathā ca viśeṣataḥ
From ancient times, dear one, it has been heard that Viṣṇu obtained the Sudarśana discus through worship. Therefore, O son, recount that account in particular—how that adoration was performed and how the boon was attained.
Suta Goswami (narrative voice within the Kotirudrasaṃhitā, addressing the sages and prompting a detailed account of Viṣṇu’s worship)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Sthala Purana: Sets the premise for Harīśvara-liṅga māhātmya: Viṣṇu’s acquisition of Sudarśana is attributed to ārādhana (propitiatory worship), implying Śiva’s boon-bestowing lordship and the efficacy of liṅga-upāsanā.
Significance: Models ideal devotion: even Viṣṇu attains divine power through worship—encouraging pilgrims/devotees to seek empowerment and liberation via Śiva-bhakti.
Role: teaching
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
The verse highlights that even exalted deities attain extraordinary powers through devoted worship, implying that Shiva’s grace responds to sincere arādhana and disciplined reverence.
By emphasizing ‘arādhana’ as the cause of attainment, it aligns with the Purāṇic Shaiva view that worship of Saguna Shiva—often through the Linga—becomes the accessible channel for receiving blessings and divine empowerment.
The takeaway is focused arādhana: steady mantra-japa (classically the Panchakshara, ‘Om Namaḥ Śivāya’), accompanied by regular Shiva-pūjā with purity and devotion, as the means to obtain Shiva’s favor.