Shloka 20
श्रुत्वेत्थं तुलसीवाक्यं स विहस्य रमापतिः । शंखचूडरूपधरस्तामुवाचामृतं वचः
śrutvetthaṃ tulasīvākyaṃ sa vihasya ramāpatiḥ | śaṃkhacūḍarūpadharastāmuvācāmṛtaṃ vacaḥ
Hearing Tulasi speak thus, the Lord of Ramā (Viṣṇu) smiled. Assuming the form of Śaṅkhacūḍa, he then addressed her with nectar-like words.
Suta Goswami (narrating the episode; within the story, Vishnu speaks to Tulasi)
Tattva Level: pashu
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga episode; the verse belongs to the Tulasi–Śaṅkhacūḍa narrative where Viṣṇu assumes a deceptive form, setting up karmic consequences and later transformations in the story.
Significance: Didactic rather than tīrtha-centered: illustrates how māyā/tirodhāna can bind even exalted beings through attachment and misrecognition, prompting eventual recourse to Śiva’s grace.
Shakti Form: Tārā
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It highlights how divine līlā operates through form and speech: the Lord uses a chosen appearance and gentle words to guide events toward dharma, reminding devotees to seek the highest truth (Pati) beyond outward forms.
By showing a deity assuming a specific form for a purpose, the verse supports Saguna worship: forms are compassionate instruments. In Shaiva understanding, such narratives ultimately point the mind toward Shiva as Pati—the supreme reality—beyond changing appearances.
Practice discernment (viveka) alongside bhakti: steady japa of the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” helps the devotee remain anchored in Shiva while navigating the play of names and forms in life.