Shloka 4
एकोनविंशतिशिवावतारवर्णनम्
Description of the Nineteen Manifestations/Avatāras of Śiva
लम्बोदरश्च लम्बाक्षः केशलम्वः प्रलम्बकः । तत्रापि पुत्राश्चत्वारो भविष्यन्ति दृढव्रताः
lambodaraśca lambākṣaḥ keśalamvaḥ pralambakaḥ | tatrāpi putrāścatvāro bhaviṣyanti dṛḍhavratāḥ
“(There are the Rudra-forms named) Lambodara, Lambākṣa, Keśalambva, and Pralambaka. From that line as well, four sons will be born—steadfast in their sacred vows.”
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Rudra
Sthala Purana: This is a catalogic verse enumerating Rudra-nāmas/forms and their progeny; it does not attach to a specific Jyotirliṅga legend.
Significance: Recitation functions as smaraṇa of Rudra’s manifoldness (bahurūpatā), supporting bhakti and protective remembrance rather than site-specific merit.
Type: stotra
FAQs
It emphasizes Shiva’s Saguna manifestation as countless Rudra-forms and teaches that spiritual power is sustained through dṛḍha-vrata—steadfast, disciplined observance aligned to dharma and devotion to Pati (Shiva).
Listing Rudra-names supports Saguna upāsanā: devotees approach the One Shiva through specific forms and epithets, while ultimately recognizing that these are expressions of the same Supreme Lord worshipped as the Linga.
The practical takeaway is vrata-niṣṭhā: maintain regular japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), daily Shiva-pūjā (often centered on the Linga), and disciplined observances such as purity, fasting, and truthfulness as one’s chosen vow.