Shloka 24
नारदस्य विष्णूपदेशवर्णनम् — Nārada and Viṣṇu: Instruction after Delusion
दत्तश्शापोऽपि तेनाथ वितथं कुरु तं प्रभो । महत्पापमकार्षं हि यास्यामि निरयं धुवम्
dattaśśāpo'pi tenātha vitathaṃ kuru taṃ prabho | mahatpāpamakārṣaṃ hi yāsyāmi nirayaṃ dhuvam
“O Lord, though a curse has been pronounced by him, please render that curse ineffective. I have indeed committed a grievous sin; surely I shall go to hell.”
Brahmā (supplicating Lord Śiva/Rudra in the creation narrative)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
FAQs
The verse highlights Śiva as the compassionate Pati (Lord) whose grace can neutralize the binding force of fear and karmic consequence when the devotee admits fault and surrenders. It reflects the Shaiva Siddhanta emphasis on divine anugraha (grace) as essential for liberation beyond mere self-effort.
The plea is directed to the personal Lord (Saguna Śiva) who responds to devotion and repentance. In Linga-worship, the devotee similarly approaches Śiva as the accessible form of the Supreme, seeking purification and protection from the effects of wrongdoing through sincere prayer and ritual devotion.
A practical takeaway is prāyaścitta through Śiva-bhakti: confession of fault, chanting the Pañcākṣarī mantra (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), and Linga-abhiṣeka with a repentant mind, seeking Śiva’s anugraha to dissolve the fear of downfall.