Shloka 28
अध्याय १७ — देवपलायनं, विष्णोः प्रतियुद्धं, जलंधरक्रोधः
Devas’ Rout, Viṣṇu’s Counterattack, and Jalandhara’s Wrath
तया हतो महादैत्यो न चचालापि किंचन । जलंधरो मदोन्मत्तः पुष्पमालाहतो यथा
tayā hato mahādaityo na cacālāpi kiṃcana | jalaṃdharo madonmattaḥ puṣpamālāhato yathā
Though struck by it, the mighty demon did not stir in the least. Jalandhara, drunk with pride, was as one smitten by a garland of flowers—unshaken, deeming it no true blow.
Suta Goswami (narrating the battle account to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pasha
FAQs
It highlights how mada (egoic pride) makes a being insensitive to correction—when consciousness is clouded, even a real warning is dismissed as harmless, delaying repentance and deepening bondage (pāśa).
In Shaiva understanding, the Linga represents the steady, purifying presence of Shiva that dissolves ego. This verse shows the opposite state—an asuric mind so pride-filled that it cannot ‘feel’ the corrective force of dharma, which Linga-worship is meant to awaken through humility and surrender.
A practical takeaway is daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—with bhāva of humility, along with Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) remembrance to reduce mada and cultivate receptivity to Shiva’s grace.