Shloka 1
जलंधरयुद्धे मायाप्रयोगः — Jalandhara’s Māyā in the Battle with Śiva
व्यास उवाच । विधेः श्रेष्ठसुत प्राज्ञः कथेयं श्राविताद्भुता । ततश्च किमभूदाजौ कथं दैत्यो हतो वद
vyāsa uvāca | vidheḥ śreṣṭhasuta prājñaḥ katheyaṃ śrāvitādbhutā | tataśca kimabhūdājau kathaṃ daityo hato vada
Vyāsa said: O wise and excellent son of the Creator (Brahmā), you have recounted this wondrous narrative. Now tell me—what then happened in the battle, and in what manner was the demon slain?
Vyasa
Sthala Purana: This is a narrative transition (praśna) rather than a sthala-origin; it cues continuation of the battle account and the demon’s death.
Significance: Hermeneutic value: models śravaṇa–praśna (listening then questioning) as a valid path to clarity in Purāṇic instruction.
FAQs
The verse highlights the disciple’s sincere inquiry into how adharma is ultimately overcome—pointing to the Purana’s Shaiva view that divine grace and right order prevail, and that hearing (śravaṇa) sacred history deepens discernment and devotion.
Though the Linga is not named here, the question turns the listener toward the concrete, Saguna manifestation of divine protection—Shiva’s active guardianship in history—encouraging devotees to seek refuge in Shiva’s worship as the Lord who restores dharma.
The implied practice is śravaṇa and manana—listening to Shiva’s deeds and reflecting on them—supported by japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) as a steady contemplative refuge while studying such narratives.