Shloka 22
मयस्य शिवस्तुतिः — Maya’s Hymn to Śiva
and Śiva’s Gracious Response
कुत्र याम वयं देवाः कर्म किं करवामहे । आज्ञापयत नश्शीघ्रं भव दादेशकारकान्
kutra yāma vayaṃ devāḥ karma kiṃ karavāmahe | ājñāpayata naśśīghraṃ bhava dādeśakārakān
“Where shall we go, we gods, and what action should we undertake? Command us quickly, O Bhava (Śiva), for we are ready to carry out your instruction.”
The Devas (gods) addressing Lord Shiva (Bhava)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Bhikṣāṭana
Mantra: कुत्र याम वयं देवाः कर्म किं करवामहे । आज्ञापयत नश्शीघ्रं भव दादेशकारकान्
Type: stotra
Role: teaching
Cosmic Event: Devas seek assignment of duty—cosmic administration after conflict
FAQs
It portrays śaraṇāgati (complete surrender): even the Devas acknowledge their limited agency and place themselves under Pati—Lord Shiva (Bhava)—seeking right action aligned with his will, which in Shaiva Siddhanta is the sure guide through bondage (pāśa) toward grace (anugraha).
The Devas address Shiva personally as Bhava, emphasizing Saguna Shiva—the accessible Lord who guides and protects. In Linga-worship, this same attitude is expressed by offering one’s decisions and actions at the Linga, asking Shiva to direct one’s dharma and remove obstacles.
A practical takeaway is to begin worship with an intention of surrender—mentally offering one’s ‘karma’ to Shiva—then japa of the Panchakshara “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” while seeking inner guidance, optionally with Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrākṣa as aids to steadiness and devotion.