Shloka 49
अध्याय १७ — देवपलायनं, विष्णोः प्रतियुद्धं, जलंधरक्रोधः
Devas’ Rout, Viṣṇu’s Counterattack, and Jalandhara’s Wrath
एवं जलंधरः कृत्वा देवान्स्ववशवर्तिनः । धर्मेण पालयामास प्रजाः पुत्रानिवौरसान्
evaṃ jalaṃdharaḥ kṛtvā devānsvavaśavartinaḥ | dharmeṇa pālayāmāsa prajāḥ putrānivaurasān
Thus Jalandhara, having brought the Devas under his own control, ruled his subjects in accordance with dharma—protecting and governing the people as though they were his own legitimate sons.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse highlights that even when power is gained, governance is measured by dharma—protection, restraint, and responsibility. From a Shaiva Siddhanta lens, worldly sovereignty remains subordinate to Pati (Shiva); ethical rule may sustain order, but liberation comes only through Shiva’s grace, not political dominance.
By contrasting human/asuric control over the Devas with the higher sovereignty of Shiva, the narrative indirectly points to Saguna Shiva (as Lord and protector) as the true refuge. Linga-worship centers the devotee in dharma and surrender to Shiva’s supreme lordship, beyond shifting worldly rule.
The practical takeaway is dharmic self-governance: daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with a vow of non-harm and protection of dependents. If one follows Shaiva ritual, applying Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and maintaining truthful conduct aligns outer practice with the dharma praised in the verse.