Shloka 63
Niṣādasya Bhillasya Itihāsaḥ — Śivarātri-vrata-prabhāvaḥ
The Hunter’s Account and the Efficacy of the Śivarātri Observance
यस्य वाणी व्यलीका हि तत्पुण्यं गलितं क्षणात् । तथापि शृणु वै सत्यां प्रतिज्ञां मम भिल्लक
yasya vāṇī vyalīkā hi tatpuṇyaṃ galitaṃ kṣaṇāt | tathāpi śṛṇu vai satyāṃ pratijñāṃ mama bhillaka
He whose speech is false—his merit melts away in an instant. Even so, O Bhillaka, listen to my truthful vow.
Lord Shiva (inferred narrator-speech within Kotirudrasaṃhitā dialogue context)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Significance: Warns that deceit destroys puṇya instantly; pilgrimage and ritual are rendered fruitless without satya—ethical purity is framed as the real ‘kṣetra’ for Śiva’s favor.
Type: stotra
FAQs
It teaches that satya (truthfulness) is a core purifier in Shaiva dharma: false speech immediately erodes accumulated puṇya, while a truthful vow aligns the devotee with Shiva’s sustaining order (dharma).
Linga-worship is not only external ritual; it rests on inner integrity. Approaching Saguna Shiva with deceit weakens the spiritual fruit of worship, whereas a sincere, truthful pratijñā strengthens devotion and receptivity to Shiva’s grace.
A practical takeaway is to take a satya-pratijñā (truth-vow) before puja or pilgrimage—then worship with steady japa (e.g., Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and conduct that matches one’s spoken words.