Shloka 37
दधीच-शाप-हेतु-वर्णनम् / The Cause of Dadhīca’s Curse
Explaining Viṣṇu’s Role at Dakṣa’s Sacrifice
तत्र गत्वा विधानेन महामृत्युंजयाभिधम् । तं मनुं प्रजपन् प्रीत्या तपस्तेपे शिवं स्मरन्
tatra gatvā vidhānena mahāmṛtyuṃjayābhidham | taṃ manuṃ prajapan prītyā tapastepe śivaṃ smaran
Having gone there, in the prescribed manner, he performed austerities while lovingly repeating the mantra called “Mahāmṛtyuñjaya,” and he continually remembered Lord Śiva.
Sūta Gosvāmin
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Sthala Purana: The verse situates Mahāmṛtyuñjaya as a prescribed mantra (vidhāna) used in tapas; it is not anchored to a particular Jyotirliṅga site but to a soteriological function—victory over death through Śiva’s grace.
Significance: Establishes mantra-japa with proper injunction (vidhi) as a means to transform the paśu’s condition and invite Śiva’s anugraha, especially for protection from untimely death and for spiritual steadiness.
Mantra: oṃ tryambakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhiṃ puṣṭivardhanam | urvārukamiva bandhanān mṛtyor mukṣīya mā'mṛtāt ||
Type: mahamrityunjaya
Role: liberating
FAQs
It teaches that liberation-oriented progress in Śaiva practice arises from disciplined sādhana—performing tapas with devotion, sustained mantra-japa, and constant remembrance of Pati (Śiva), who grants protection and spiritual victory over fear and limitation.
The verse emphasizes Saguna-oriented upāsanā: remembering Śiva and repeating His power-mantra with proper ritual method (vidhi). Such japa is commonly performed alongside Liṅga worship, where the devotee focuses the mind on Śiva’s gracious presence while offering inner and outer reverence.
It directly suggests Mahāmṛtyuñjaya-mantra japa done “according to injunction” (vidhānena), supported by tapas and mindful remembrance (smaraṇa) of Śiva—i.e., steady repetition with devotion and meditative focus.