Shloka 24
अत्रीश्वरमाहात्म्यवर्णनम् (Atrīśvara-māhātmya-varṇanam) — “Account of the Greatness of Atrīśvara”
नोभयं च तथा स्याद्वै निवेद्यं तत्तथा मम । इति यावद्विचार्येत तावत्पृष्टा पुनः पुनः
nobhayaṃ ca tathā syādvai nivedyaṃ tattathā mama | iti yāvadvicāryeta tāvatpṛṣṭā punaḥ punaḥ
“Let there be no fear; that very matter should indeed be reported to me.” Thus, as long as she kept reflecting on it, she was questioned again and again.
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Sthala Purana: The reassurance ‘no fear’ and insistence on reporting the matter underscores pastoral guidance in vrata practice: uncertainty is met with instruction, preventing doṣa through correct disclosure and counsel.
Significance: Encourages devotees to seek clarification from elders/ācāryas when unsure in pilgrimage-vrata contexts; fear is replaced by guidance, aligning with Siddhānta’s emphasis on guru-upadeśa and regulated practice.
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse highlights a Shaiva ethical mood: fear is removed by taking refuge in rightful guidance and truthfully reporting one’s situation, aligning the mind toward śaraṇāgati (surrender) rather than anxiety.
In Kotirudra narratives centered on Jyotirlinga glory, fearlessness is nurtured through trust in Shiva’s protective grace (Saguna Shiva as the compassionate Lord) and by bringing one’s doubts forward rather than hiding them.
A practical takeaway is to steady the mind with japa of the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) when fear or doubt arises, then act with clarity by seeking counsel and speaking truthfully.