Shloka 34
साधुवेषद्विजाह्वयावतारकथनम् | Account of the ‘Sādhu-veṣa’ Brahmin-Named Incarnation
Prelude
तच्छ्रुत्वा विप्रवचनमभूताञ्च तनू तयोः । विपरीतानर्थपरे किं करिष्यावहे ध्रुवम्
tacchrutvā vipravacanamabhūtāñca tanū tayoḥ | viparītānarthapare kiṃ kariṣyāvahe dhruvam
Hearing the brāhmaṇa’s words, both were stricken with dismay. “When the meaning has turned contrary and harmful,” they said, “what indeed can we certainly do now?”
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It highlights the inner crisis that arises when one realizes one’s path has produced “anartha” (spiritual harm). In Shaiva understanding, such dismay becomes a turning point: abandoning mistaken meaning (viparīta-artha) and seeking right discernment and Shiva’s grace to restore dharma.
When human plans collapse due to contrary outcomes, the Purana repeatedly directs the devotee toward Saguna Shiva—approached through the Linga—as the steady refuge (āśraya). The verse sets the emotional ground for surrender and corrective devotion.
A practical takeaway is to shift from anxiety to śaraṇāgati (taking refuge): perform Shiva-smaraṇa with the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” and, if following Purāṇic practice, add Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) application and simple Linga-pūjā to reorient intention toward dharma.