Shloka 26
राहोर्विमोचनानन्तरं जलन्धरस्य सैन्योद्योगः — Rahu’s Aftermath and Jalandhara’s Mobilization
जलंधरः कथं विष्णो संगरे न हत स्त्वया । तद्गृहं चापि यातोऽसि त्यक्त्वा वैकुण्ठमात्मनः
jalaṃdharaḥ kathaṃ viṣṇo saṃgare na hata stvayā | tadgṛhaṃ cāpi yāto'si tyaktvā vaikuṇṭhamātmanaḥ
“O Viṣṇu, how is it that Jalandhara was not slain by you in battle? And why did you go to his house as well, abandoning your own Vaikuṇṭha?”
Sūta Gosvāmi (narrating the dialogue; the question is posed within the story to Lord Viṣṇu)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Significance: Frames the ‘mystery’ of divine action: apparent non-slaying and unusual movement are read as tirodhāna—concealment of the deeper plan leading to dharma-restoration.
FAQs
The verse highlights that even great divine powers act within cosmic law and narrative purpose; in Shaiva framing, ultimate sovereignty rests with Pati (Śiva), and events unfold to reveal the higher order behind victory, defeat, and dharma.
By questioning Viṣṇu’s apparent restraint and unusual action, the story prepares the listener to see how worldly strength is subordinate to the Supreme Lord’s will; such narratives lead devotees toward Saguna Śiva-bhakti and reverence for Śiva’s governing grace, often centered in Purāṇic practice around the Liṅga.
A practical takeaway is to cultivate humility and surrender through japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and steady remembrance of Śiva as Pati, especially when outcomes seem paradoxical.