Shloka 90
Niṣādasya Bhillasya Itihāsaḥ — Śivarātri-vrata-prabhāvaḥ
The Hunter’s Account and the Efficacy of the Śivarātri Observance
शिव उवाच । शृणु व्याधाद्य भोगांस्त्वं भुंक्ष्व दिव्यान्यथेप्सितान् । राजधानीं समाश्रित्य शृंगवेरपुरे पराम्
śiva uvāca | śṛṇu vyādhādya bhogāṃstvaṃ bhuṃkṣva divyānyathepsitān | rājadhānīṃ samāśritya śṛṃgaverapure parām
Śiva said: “Listen, O hunter. From today onward, enjoy celestial pleasures according to your desire, taking refuge in that supreme royal city at Śṛṅgaverapura.”
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Sthala Purana: Śṛṅgaverapura is famed in Rāmāyaṇa as Guha’s city on the Gaṅgā where Rāma is received; here Śiva directs the hunter toward that destined dharmic meeting.
Significance: Association with Rāma–Guha meeting; reinforces bhakti through service to dharmic avatāra and devotees.
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It highlights Śiva’s anugraha (saving grace): when one comes under Śiva’s protection, even worldly enjoyments become regulated by dharma and can turn into a step toward inner purification and eventual liberation.
The verse presents Saguna Śiva as a compassionate Lord who directly guides devotees and grants boons; such personal relationship is central to Linga-bhakti where the devotee seeks refuge (śaraṇāgati) in Śiva’s presence and command.
The practical takeaway is śaraṇāgati—taking refuge in Śiva with devotion; in Shaiva practice this is commonly supported by daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and worship at a sacred abode/temple with reverence.