Shloka 4
यक्षेश्वरावतारः (Yakṣeśvara-Avatāra) and the Nīlakaṇṭha Paradigm in the Churning of the Ocean
तं दृष्ट्वा निखिला देवा दैत्याश्च भयविह्वलाः । विद्रुत्य तरसा तात शंभोस्ते शरणं ययुः
taṃ dṛṣṭvā nikhilā devā daityāśca bhayavihvalāḥ | vidrutya tarasā tāta śaṃbhoste śaraṇaṃ yayuḥ
Seeing Him, all the Devas and the Daityas, shaken with fear, fled swiftly; and, O dear one, they went for refuge to Śambhu (Lord Śiva).
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Significance: Models śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) in Śiva as the supreme protector; inspires devotees to seek Śiva in संकट (crisis) for fear-removal (bhaya-nivṛtti).
Type: stotra
Role: liberating
Cosmic Event: Crisis after emergence of hālāhala; flight to Śiva for protection.
FAQs
The verse highlights śaraṇāgati—turning to Śiva as the supreme refuge when both divine and demonic powers are destabilized. In Shaiva Siddhanta, Śiva as Pati alone can remove fear and grant protection, showing His lordship beyond all factions.
Refuge in “Śambhu” points to Saguna Śiva—the compassionate, approachable Lord who responds to surrender. Linga-worship embodies this accessible presence of Śiva, where devotees seek protection, grace, and inner steadiness amid fear and turmoil.
A practical takeaway is to adopt śaraṇāgati through japa of the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” along with Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrākṣa as reminders of Śiva’s protection, especially during fearful or uncertain times.