मृग्युवाच । शृणु व्याध प्रवक्ष्यामि शपथं हि करोम्यहम् । आगच्छेयं यथा ते न समीपं स्वगृहाद्गता
mṛgyuvāca | śṛṇu vyādha pravakṣyāmi śapathaṃ hi karomyaham | āgaccheyaṃ yathā te na samīpaṃ svagṛhādgatā
The doe said: “Listen, O hunter; I shall declare it—I swear an oath. May I not return to your presence from my own home.”
The doe (Mṛgī)
Tattva Level: pashu
Mantra: śṛṇu vyādha pravakṣyāmi śapathaṃ hi karomyaham | āgaccheyaṃ yathā te na samīpaṃ svagṛhādgatā
Type: stotra
Role: teaching
It highlights satya (truthfulness) and vrata (a binding vow) as dharmic powers; in Shaiva thought, inner purity and truth-supporting conduct become a means to receive Shiva’s grace and protection.
Kotirudrasaṃhitā repeatedly links pilgrimage and Linga-darśana with ethical transformation; this oath-centered moment shows that devotion to Saguna Shiva is validated by integrity—truth and restraint are part of proper approach to Jyotirlinga worship.
A practical takeaway is satya-vrata: before japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) or Jyotirlinga worship, take a simple vow of truth and non-harm, and maintain mental steadiness (saṃyama) so worship is supported by dharma.