Shloka 56
व्योमवाणी-श्रवणं, गणानां शरणागमनं, सती-दाह-वृत्तान्तः — Hearing the Heavenly Voice; The Gaṇas Seek Refuge; Account of Satī’s Self-Immolation
तत्र त्वयि गते देवा विश्वाद्य अपि सादरम् । स्तोष्यंति त्वां तदाप्याशु ज्वालया ज्वालयैव तान्
tatra tvayi gate devā viśvādya api sādaram | stoṣyaṃti tvāṃ tadāpyāśu jvālayā jvālayaiva tān
When you have gone there, the gods—the Viśvadevas and the rest—will respectfully praise you. Even then, quickly burn them with your flame; yes, burn them at once.
Lord Shiva (addressing Sati in counsel)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Vīrabhadra
Sthala Purana: Within Dakṣa-yajña: even if devas offer stuti after seeing power, it is portrayed as opportunistic and not true surrender; hence punishment continues until adharmic structure is broken.
Significance: Teaches discernment: praise (stotra) without transformation is insufficient; true anugraha follows after egoic structures are reduced (symbolized by burning).
Type: stotra
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: destructive
FAQs
It emphasizes that even respectful praise from the devas can be secondary to dharma and Shiva’s higher will; the “flame” symbolizes the decisive, purifying power of Shiva-tattva that cuts through delusion, pride, and adharmic interference.
The verse points to Saguna Shiva’s active sovereignty: while devas may offer stuti, ultimate refuge and authority rest in Shiva alone. In Linga-worship, devotees honor Shiva as Pati—the supreme Lord—beyond the limited hierarchy of the gods.
A practical takeaway is steadfast japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with inner vairāgya—letting Shiva’s “jvālā” be the fire of discernment that burns ego and distractions; optionally supported by Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrākṣa as Shaiva disciplines.