Shloka 22
प्रयागे महत्समाजः — शिवदर्शनं दक्षागमनं च
The Great Assembly at Prayāga: Śiva’s Appearance and Dakṣa’s Arrival
यस्य स्मरणमात्रेण भवंति सफला मखाः । तीर्थानि च पवित्राणि सोयं शप्तो हरः कथम्
yasya smaraṇamātreṇa bhavaṃti saphalā makhāḥ | tīrthāni ca pavitrāṇi soyaṃ śapto haraḥ katham
By the mere remembrance of Hara (Śiva), sacrifices become fruitful and holy pilgrimage-places are sanctified—how could that very Hara ever be cursed?
Suta Goswami (narrating the Satī-Khaṇḍa account to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya, reflecting the wonder expressed in the narrative)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Rudra
Sthala Purana: General jyotirliṅga principle implied: Śiva’s mere smaraṇa sanctifies tīrthas and makes yajñas fruitful; holiness is derivative from Śiva, not autonomous in place or rite.
Significance: Teaches smaraṇa-bhakti: remembrance of Hara is itself purifying and the source of tīrtha-śuddhi and yajña-siddhi.
Type: stotra
Role: liberating
FAQs
It declares Śiva as the supreme sanctifier: even a simple act of remembrance (smaraṇa) grants the fruit of sacrifice and purifies sacred places, implying that the Lord who bestows holiness cannot truly be bound by a curse.
It supports Saguna devotion—remembering Hara with form and qualities—as an immediately effective path; Linga-worship likewise centers on mindful remembrance and reverence that purifies the worshipper and the place of worship.
Practice nāma-smaraṇa and dhyāna of Śiva—especially japa of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—as a direct, purifying discipline that can be done anywhere, independent of elaborate yajñas.