Shloka 7
बाणस्य शोकः शिवस्मरणं च — Bāṇa’s Grief and the Turn to Śiva-Remembrance
नन्दिवाक्यात्ततो बाणो द्विषा शीर्षकमात्रकः । शिवस्थानं जगामाशु धृत्वा धैर्यं महामनाः
nandivākyāttato bāṇo dviṣā śīrṣakamātrakaḥ | śivasthānaṃ jagāmāśu dhṛtvā dhairyaṃ mahāmanāḥ
Then, taking Nandin’s words to heart, Bāṇa—though reduced by his foe to only a head—steadfastly gathered his courage and, great-souled, quickly went to the abode of Lord Śiva.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga episode; the verse frames Śiva’s abode as the refuge of the afflicted (śaraṇāgati), where even an asura approaches for grace after defeat.
Significance: General tīrtha-logic: turning toward Śiva (śivasthāna-gamana) after ego-collapse is presented as the first step toward anugraha (saving intervention).
FAQs
It highlights śaraṇāgati (taking refuge): even when one is broken by conflict and karma, remembering the Lord through the guidance of the guru-like devotee (Nandin) turns the mind toward Śiva’s abode, where grace restores and uplifts the bound soul (paśu) under the Lord (Pati).
Bāṇa’s movement toward “Śiva-sthāna” reflects turning to Saguna Śiva—the accessible Lord who receives devotees. In practice, this is mirrored by approaching the Śiva-liṅga with humility, seeking protection and purification through devotion rather than pride or power.
The takeaway is dhairya with bhakti: steady the mind and approach Śiva through japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” ideally with vibhūti (tripuṇḍra) and rudrākṣa as aids to remembrance and surrender.