Shloka 47
अत्रीश्वरमाहात्म्यवर्णनम् (Atrīśvara-māhātmya-varṇanam) — “Account of the Greatness of Atrīśvara”
तस्माच्च यदि लोकस्य हिताय तत्प्रयच्छसि । तर्ह्यहं स्थिरतां यास्ये यदि कल्याणमिच्छसि
tasmācca yadi lokasya hitāya tatprayacchasi | tarhyahaṃ sthiratāṃ yāsye yadi kalyāṇamicchasi
“Therefore, if you would grant that for the welfare of the world, then I shall attain steadfastness—if you truly desire what is auspicious.”
A devotee/petitioner addressing a revered authority (contextually within Kotirudrasaṃhitā narration, likely framed by Suta Goswami)
Tattva Level: pashu
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga passage; it expresses the ethic that spiritual power/merit should be granted for loka-hita, which in Śaiva Siddhānta aligns with grace (anugraha) flowing through compassionate agents.
Significance: Frames merit and spiritual gifts as instruments of public welfare (loka-saṅgraha), a hallmark of mahātma conduct.
FAQs
The verse links loka-hita (benefit of the world) with inner sthiratā (steadfastness), implying that auspicious intention and selfless dharmic action mature the devotee’s mind toward Shaiva steadiness and spiritual progress.
In Shiva Purana devotion, approaching Saguna Shiva (often through Linga worship) is not merely for personal gain; the devotee’s request is validated when aligned with kalyāṇa and the welfare of beings—an ethic that supports pure bhakti and worthy pilgrimage/vrata.
The takeaway is sankalpa-śuddhi (purifying intention): perform Shiva worship with a vow for loka-hita—such as japa of the Panchakshara “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” and simple offerings—cultivating firm resolve (sthiratā) rather than desire-driven prayer.