Shloka 7
Harīśvara-liṅga Mahimā and the Origin-Context of Viṣṇu’s Sudarśana (हरिश्वरलिङ्गमहिमा तथा सुदर्शनप्राप्तिकथा)
देवा ऊचुः । कृपां कुरु प्रभो त्वं च दैत्यैस्संपीडिता भृशम् । कुत्र यामश्च किं कुर्मश्शरण्यं त्वां समाश्रिताः
devā ūcuḥ | kṛpāṃ kuru prabho tvaṃ ca daityaissaṃpīḍitā bhṛśam | kutra yāmaśca kiṃ kurmaśśaraṇyaṃ tvāṃ samāśritāḥ
The Devas said: “O Lord, show compassion. We are grievously oppressed by the Daityas. Where shall we go, and what shall we do? O Refuge of all, we have taken shelter in You alone.”
The Devas
Tattva Level: pashu
Significance: Explicit śaraṇāgati formula (“śaraṇya… samāśritāḥ”) functions as a devotional template; in Siddhānta, such surrender disposes the paśu toward receiving grace (anugraha), even when mediated through other deities.
Mantra: kṛpāṃ kuru prabho… śaraṇyaṃ tvāṃ samāśritāḥ
Type: stotra
Role: nurturing
FAQs
This verse highlights śaraṇāgati—complete surrender to Lord Shiva as the ultimate Refuge (Śaraṇya). In Shaiva Siddhanta terms, when the bound soul (pāśu) is distressed by limiting forces, it turns to Pati (Shiva), whose grace alone removes suffering and restores right order.
The Devas approach Shiva as a compassionate, accessible Lord—Saguna Shiva—who responds to prayers. In Jyotirlinga-centered Kotirudra themes, this aligns with seeking Shiva’s living presence through Linga worship as a concrete focus for refuge, protection, and grace.
The practical takeaway is refuge through prayer and mantra-japa—especially the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”)—offered with humility. A simple practice is daily japa with Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and a sincere plea for Shiva’s anugraha (grace) in times of adversity.