Shloka 21
नारीसन्देहभञ्जक-शम्भ्ववतारकथा
The Account of Śambhu’s Incarnation that Dispels Doubts Concerning Women
न जाने कस्य पुत्रोऽयमस्य ज्ञातात्र कोपि न । यतः पृच्छाम्यस्य जन्य जाता च करुणा मयि
na jāne kasya putro'yamasya jñātātra kopi na | yataḥ pṛcchāmyasya janya jātā ca karuṇā mayi
I do not know whose son this is, nor is there anyone here who recognizes him. Therefore I ask about his parentage—and compassion has arisen within me for him.
Suta Goswami (narrating the account within Śatarudrasaṃhitā)
Tattva Level: pashu
Significance: Compassion (karuṇā) is framed as the human doorway to grace; in Śaiva Siddhānta, such softening of the heart prepares receptivity to Śiva’s anugraha.
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
FAQs
The verse highlights dharmic sensitivity: when one encounters an unknown, possibly helpless being, the right response is inquiry guided by karuṇā (compassion). In a Shaiva Siddhanta lens, compassion is a purifier of mala (impurity) and aligns the soul (paśu) toward Shiva’s grace (anugraha).
Saguna Shiva is worshiped as the compassionate Lord who responds to sincerity and humility. This verse models the devotee’s inner posture—gentle inquiry and empathy—which is foundational for fruitful Linga worship, where devotion is expressed through purity of intention rather than mere ritual display.
A practical takeaway is to pair japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with a vow of compassion—helping the distressed, speaking truth gently, and offering simple charity—especially on Mahāśivarātri or Mondays, as an outward sign of inner bhakti.