Shloka 34
द्वादशज्योतिर्लिङ्गावतारकथनम्
Account of the Twelve Jyotirliṅga Manifestations
त्र्यंबकाख्योऽवतारो यः सोष्टमो गौतमीतटे । प्रार्थितो गौतमेनाविर्बभूव शशिमौलिनः
tryaṃbakākhyo'vatāro yaḥ soṣṭamo gautamītaṭe | prārthito gautamenāvirbabhūva śaśimaulinaḥ
The eighth descent of Lord Śiva was known as Tryambaka. On the bank of the Gautamī, the Moon-crested Lord manifested Himself, invoked by the prayers of Gautama.
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Tryambakeśvara
Jyotirlinga: Tryambakeśvara
Sthala Purana: Gautama Ṛṣi, dwelling at the Godāvarī (Gautamī) bank, propitiates the Moon-crested Śiva; Śiva manifests as Tryambaka at that tīrtha, establishing His presence for the sage’s welfare and the sanctification of the region.
Significance: Darśana of the Jyotirliṅga at the Godāvarī source is held to remove pāśa (bondage) through Śiva’s anugraha, granting both bhukti (desired aims) and mukti (liberation).
Type: stotra
FAQs
It teaches that Shiva, the Pati (Lord), freely reveals His saguna form out of compassion when a purified devotee prays with sincerity—showing grace as the direct cause of divine manifestation and upliftment.
Tryambaka is a personal, approachable (saguna) manifestation of Shiva, and such manifestations are commonly worshipped through the Linga at sacred tirthas—where devotion, prayer, and presence converge in Shaiva practice.
Prayerful japa of the Panchakshara mantra ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") with tirtha-snāna (holy river bath) and inner humility is implied, emphasizing bhakti-led invocation of Shiva’s grace.