Shloka 79
Niṣādasya Bhillasya Itihāsaḥ — Śivarātri-vrata-prabhāvaḥ
The Hunter’s Account and the Efficacy of the Śivarātri Observance
मृगी मृगी मृगश्चोचुश्शीघ्रं वै व्याधसत्तम । अस्माकं सार्थकं देहं कुरु त्वं हि कृपां कुरु
mṛgī mṛgī mṛgaścocuśśīghraṃ vai vyādhasattama | asmākaṃ sārthakaṃ dehaṃ kuru tvaṃ hi kṛpāṃ kuru
The doe, the she-deer, and the stag cried out: “Quickly, O best of hunters! Show compassion; make our bodies meaningful—grant us your mercy.”
The deer (mṛgī/mṛga) addressing the hunter (vyādha) within Suta’s narration to the sages
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga episode; it is a moral-theological pivot where even animals become instruments of Śiva’s grace, urging compassion and thereby redirecting the hunter toward dharma and worship.
Significance: Models dayā (compassion) as a gateway virtue that prepares the paśu for Śiva’s anugraha; hearing/uttering compassionate speech becomes a catalyst for inner change.
Role: teaching
FAQs
It frames life as “sārthaka” (fruitful) when it becomes an instrument for dharma and grace; even suffering beings seek a meaningful end through compassion, hinting that Shiva’s providence can turn fate into liberation-oriented merit.
In Kotirudra’s Jyotirlinga milieu, such episodes emphasize Saguna Shiva’s compassionate governance of karma—devotees approach the manifest Lord (often via Jyotirlinga pilgrimage and worship) to transform fear and bondage into auspicious spiritual outcome.
The takeaway is dayā (compassion) as a Shaiva virtue alongside devotion—supporting practices like japa of the Panchākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” and simple acts of non-violence and mercy as offerings to Shiva.