Shloka 23
शिवस्य पञ्चब्रह्मावतारवर्णनम्
Description of Shiva’s Pañcabrahma Avatāras
एकार्णवे संव्यतीते दिव्यवर्षसहस्रके । स्रष्टुकामः प्रजा ब्रह्मा चिन्तयामास दुःखितः
ekārṇave saṃvyatīte divyavarṣasahasrake | sraṣṭukāmaḥ prajā brahmā cintayāmāsa duḥkhitaḥ
When a thousand divine years had passed while all was but one cosmic ocean, Brahmā—yearning to bring forth beings—began to ponder, distressed within himself.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Cosmic Event: pre-creation oceanic state (ekārṇava) lasting 1000 divine years
FAQs
It portrays the limitation of the creator-god Brahmā when the cosmos is undifferentiated (like a single ocean). In Shaiva Siddhanta, this highlights that creation proceeds only by the higher will and grace of Pati (Śiva), while the individual powers (like Brahmā) can become distressed without divine guidance.
Brahmā’s inability to initiate creation on his own points toward the need for a manifest support (Saguna) through which the transcendent (Nirguna) Lord makes Himself knowable. In Shiva Purana narratives, this theological need is often resolved through Śiva’s self-manifestation (commonly expressed through the Linga principle) that establishes order and enables creation to proceed.
The verse suggests contemplative inquiry and surrender when faced with inner distress—supporting japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and meditation on Śiva as the supreme guide of creation. A simple takeaway is steady mantra-japa with a calm mind, seeking Śiva’s grace before undertaking any major action.