Shloka 88
Niṣādasya Bhillasya Itihāsaḥ — Śivarātri-vrata-prabhāvaḥ
The Hunter’s Account and the Efficacy of the Śivarātri Observance
व्याधोऽपि शिवरूपं च दृष्ट्वा मुक्तोऽभवत्क्षणात् । पपात शिवपादाग्रे सर्वं प्राप्तमिति बुवन्
vyādho'pi śivarūpaṃ ca dṛṣṭvā mukto'bhavatkṣaṇāt | papāta śivapādāgre sarvaṃ prāptamiti buvan
Even the hunter, upon beholding Śiva’s very form, was liberated in an instant. Falling at the forefront of Śiva’s feet, he spoke: “I have attained everything.”
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
FAQs
It highlights Śiva as Pati (the liberating Lord) whose compassionate grace can sever pāśa (bondage) instantly; even a person of humble or sinful livelihood becomes free through sincere encounter and surrender to Śiva.
The verse emphasizes Saguna Śiva—His manifest, perceivable form—through which devotees receive darśana and grace. In Kotirudrasaṃhitā’s Jyotirliṅga context, such darśana (of Liṅga or form) is portrayed as a powerful means to liberation when met with devotion.
The takeaway is śaraṇāgati (surrender) and bhakti: approach Śiva with reverence—mentally fall at His feet—while doing Liṅga-darśana and japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), especially on Mahāśivarātri or during Jyotirliṅga pilgrimage.