Shloka 17
ब्रह्मोवाच । इत्युक्त्वा मेनकां साध्वी बोधयित्वा च तां बहु । तथागता च सुप्रीत्या सास्ते यत्रर्षयोऽपि ते
brahmovāca | ityuktvā menakāṃ sādhvī bodhayitvā ca tāṃ bahu | tathāgatā ca suprītyā sāste yatrarṣayo'pi te
Brahmā said: Having spoken thus, the virtuous lady (Pārvatī) instructed Menakā at length. Then, filled with great joy, she went to the place where those sages also were staying.
Brahma
Sthala Purana: Narrative transition: Umā instructs Menakā and proceeds joyfully to the sages—part of the marriage-arrangement arc leading to Śiva–Pārvatī union, not a Jyotirliṅga origin.
Significance: Highlights śāstra-upadeśa and dharmic consent in divine marriage narratives; pilgrims read it as sanctifying family roles (Menakā/Himālaya) in service of cosmic good.
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: teaching
FAQs
It highlights the Shaiva ideal of right guidance (bodhana) and steadfast resolve: Parvati’s calm instruction and joyful movement toward the sages indicates disciplined tapas supported by wise counsel, leading the seeker toward Shiva-realization.
Though the Linga is not named here, the narrative context is Parvati’s progression toward Shiva as Saguna Pati (the personal Lord). Seeking the company of sages signifies turning to scriptural instruction and proper worship-methods that culminate in Shiva-upasana.
The takeaway is to seek sādhus/ṛṣis for correct practice and then engage in disciplined devotion—japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and contemplative tapas under guidance—rather than practicing in confusion or isolation.