Shloka 23
साधुवेषद्विजाह्वयावतारकथनम् | Account of the ‘Sādhu-veṣa’ Brahmin-Named Incarnation
Prelude
ततः पप्रच्छ शैलेशस्तं द्विजं को भवानिति । उवाच शीघ्रं विप्रेन्द्रस्स योग्यद्रिम्महादरात्
tataḥ papraccha śaileśastaṃ dvijaṃ ko bhavāniti | uvāca śīghraṃ viprendrassa yogyadrimmahādarāt
Then Śaileśa questioned that twice-born: “Who are you?” The foremost of brāhmaṇas replied at once, with fitting discernment and great respect.
Suta Goswami (narrating the episode; dialogue within the verse is spoken by Śaileśa and the brāhmaṇa)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It highlights the Shaiva ethic that true knowledge begins with humble inquiry and respectful dialogue; right discernment (yogya-dṛk) and reverence prepare the seeker to receive Shiva-centered instruction.
Though the Linga is not named here, the narrative pattern is Shaiva: a worthy seeker asks properly, and a qualified brāhmaṇa responds—this is the customary gateway to learning the disciplines of Saguna Shiva worship and the meanings behind Shiva’s forms.
The implied practice is sat-saṅga and śravaṇa (reverent listening): approach a competent teacher with humility, ask clear questions, and receive the teaching with respect—often the first step before mantra-japa (such as the Panchakshara) and worship routines.