Shloka 36
Yatinātha-līlā: Śiva’s Test of the Bhilla Devotees at Arbuda Mountain
पूर्वसत्काररूपेण महापुण्येन शंकरः । हंसरूपं विधायैव ताभ्यां सुखमदात्प्रभुः
pūrvasatkārarūpeṇa mahāpuṇyena śaṃkaraḥ | haṃsarūpaṃ vidhāyaiva tābhyāṃ sukhamadātprabhuḥ
In return for their earlier reverent hospitality—an act of great merit—Lord Śaṅkara, the Supreme Master, assumed the form of Haṃsa, the swan, and bestowed happiness and well-being upon them both.
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages at Naimisharanya, as typical for the Purana’s frame narration)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
FAQs
The verse highlights that sincere satkāra (reverent hospitality) offered with devotion becomes mahāpuṇya, and Śiva responds compassionately by granting sukha—showing the Shaiva principle that grace (anugraha) follows genuine bhakti and dharma.
By depicting Śiva taking a tangible Haṃsa-form, the verse underscores Saguna Śiva: the Lord willingly assumes approachable forms to bless devotees—just as the Śiva-liṅga serves as an accessible focus for worship through which His grace is received.
It suggests practicing satkāra and seva—honouring devotees, guests, and teachers—as a Shaiva discipline, alongside simple Śiva-upāsanā such as japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with a devotional intention to please Śiva.