Shloka 21
Niṣādasya Bhillasya Itihāsaḥ — Śivarātri-vrata-prabhāvaḥ
The Hunter’s Account and the Efficacy of the Śivarātri Observance
तत्रत्यं चैव तच्छब्दं श्रुत्वा सा हरिणी भिया । व्याधं दृष्ट्वा व्याकुला हि वचनं चेदमब्रवीत्
tatratyaṃ caiva tacchabdaṃ śrutvā sā hariṇī bhiyā | vyādhaṃ dṛṣṭvā vyākulā hi vacanaṃ cedamabravīt
Hearing that sound there, the doe became afraid. Seeing the hunter, she grew agitated and spoke these words.
Suta Goswami (narrating the episode to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It highlights the instinctive fear produced by violence and pursuit, setting up a dharmic contrast where compassion and restraint become aligned with Shaiva virtue—moving the mind away from tamas and toward devotion and inner steadiness.
Though the verse is narrative, it prepares the listener for Shiva’s grace expressed in worldly events: Saguna Shiva’s presence is often revealed through turning fear and harm into protection, repentance, and a shift toward dharma that supports Linga-worship and pilgrimage.
A practical takeaway is cultivating ahimsa and mental japa—remembering the Panchakshara (Om Namah Shivaya) when fear or agitation arises—so the mind returns to Shiva as Pati, the protector and liberator.