Shloka 18
पिप्पलादावतारकथनम्
Account of the Pippalāda Avatāra
तस्यास्थीन्येव याचध्वं स दास्यति न संशय । निर्माय तैर्दण्डवज्रं वृत्रं जहि न संशयः
tasyāsthīnyeva yācadhvaṃ sa dāsyati na saṃśaya | nirmāya tairdaṇḍavajraṃ vṛtraṃ jahi na saṃśayaḥ
“Ask him only for his bones—he will surely give them, without doubt. Fashion from those bones a thunderbolt-like staff, and with it slay Vṛtra; of this there is no doubt.”
Suta Goswami (narrating the Shatarudra Samhita episode to the sages; the quoted instruction is traditionally attributed to divine counsel within the Deva narrative)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It teaches that the power to overcome adharma arises from self-offering and purity: what is “given up” for dharma becomes a divine instrument. In Shaiva understanding, surrender to Pati (Shiva as the supreme Lord) transforms limited means into liberated power.
Saguna Shiva is the Lord who actively supports the cosmic order; this verse reflects that grace works through righteous beings and their sacrifice. Linga-worship trains the devotee in surrender and consecration—turning one’s body, actions, and merits into offerings for Shiva’s purpose.
The takeaway is disciplined tyāga (offering) and śaraṇāgati (taking refuge): daily japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with Tripuṇḍra and Rudrāksha can be practiced as an inner “vajra,” strengthening resolve to destroy the Vṛtra-like ego and obstacles.