Shloka 22
पिप्पलादावतारकथनम्
Account of the Pippalāda Avatāra
ततस्स देवराजश्च सामरः स्वार्थसाधकः । अर्थशास्त्रपरो भूत्वा मुनीशं वाक्यमब्रवीत्
tatassa devarājaśca sāmaraḥ svārthasādhakaḥ | arthaśāstraparo bhūtvā munīśaṃ vākyamabravīt
Then the king of the gods—together with the hosts of devas—intent on securing his own objective, and adopting a policy guided by statecraft, spoke these words to the great sage.
Suta Goswami (narrator, relating the episode)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It highlights how even divine beings may act from svārtha (self-interest) and rely on worldly strategy (artha-śāstra), implying that true refuge and higher good ultimately lie in alignment with dharma and Shiva’s grace rather than mere policy.
By contrasting pragmatic maneuvering with the authority of a munīśa, the narrative framework points toward the Shaiva theme that lasting resolution comes through approaching sacred wisdom and, in the broader Purana context, through devotion to Saguna Shiva (often via Linga worship) rather than only celestial power politics.
The verse itself recommends no specific rite, but the takeaway is to seek guidance from realized sages and to steady one’s intent through Shaiva devotion—commonly expressed in the Purana through japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and disciplined dharmic conduct.