Shloka 12
Yatinātha-līlā: Śiva’s Test of the Bhilla Devotees at Arbuda Mountain
स्थीयतान्ते गृहाभ्यंतः सुखेन यतिना सह । अहं बहिः स्थितिं कुर्य्यामायुधानि बृहन्त्यपि
sthīyatānte gṛhābhyaṃtaḥ sukhena yatinā saha | ahaṃ bahiḥ sthitiṃ kuryyāmāyudhāni bṛhantyapi
“Remain comfortably inside the house along with the ascetic. I shall keep watch outside—even though the weapons are mighty.”
Suta Goswami (narrating the episode within the Shatarudrasaṃhitā)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Shakti Form: Umā
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It highlights the Shaiva ideal of inner refuge and steadiness: the sacred interior (where the yati abides) is protected while external threats are faced without fear, implying that devotion and right company (satsanga) are safeguarded as the highest priority.
The verse reflects Saguna Shiva’s role as protector (rakṣaka) of devotees and spiritual practice—guarding the sanctified space where worship, japa, or contemplation occurs, even when worldly forces appear powerful.
Maintain a protected inner discipline: stay in a calm, consecrated space with a holy person, and sustain steady japa (especially the Panchakshara, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) while treating external disturbances as secondary.