Shloka 53
Niṣādasya Bhillasya Itihāsaḥ — Śivarātri-vrata-prabhāvaḥ
The Hunter’s Account and the Efficacy of the Śivarātri Observance
तेन तृतीययामस्य तद्रात्रौ तस्य भाग्यतः । पूजा जाता शिवस्यैव कृपालुत्वं प्रदर्शितम्
tena tṛtīyayāmasya tadrātrau tasya bhāgyataḥ | pūjā jātā śivasyaiva kṛpālutvaṃ pradarśitam
By his good fortune, during that night in the third watch, the worship of Lord Śiva was performed; and thereby Śiva’s compassion was clearly revealed.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Sthala Purana: The narrative highlights a decisive nocturnal moment: in the third yāma of the night, Śiva-pūjā occurs by ‘bhāgya’ (merit/destiny), and Śiva’s kṛpā (compassion) becomes manifest—an archetype of anugraha overriding mere human planning.
Significance: Affirms that night-worship (especially in late watches) is a privileged time for Śiva’s grace; encourages pradoṣa/śivarātri-style vigilance and devotion.
Mantra: (Implied devotional frame) oṃ namaḥ śivāya
Type: panchakshara
Role: liberating
Offering: dipa
FAQs
It teaches that timely, sincere devotion (here, night worship) becomes the occasion for Śiva’s anugraha (grace), revealing His compassionate nature that uplifts the devotee toward liberation.
The verse highlights concrete worship (pūjā) offered to Śiva—typically expressed in the Purāṇa as Saguna devotion such as Liṅga-pūjā—through which the devotee experiences Śiva’s mercy directly.
Night-time Shiva pūjā and jāgaraṇa (vigil) are implied—especially suitable for Mahāśivarātri—along with steady bhakti such as mantra-japa (e.g., the Pañcākṣarī) while performing worship.