Shloka 23
भैरवावतारवर्णनम् (Bhairavāvatāra-varṇanam) — “Description of the Descent/Manifestation of Bhairava”
यदि मान्या वयन्देवौ सृष्टिस्थितिकरौ विभू । तदा प्रमाणं वक्ष्यामो भवत्सन्देहभेदकम्
yadi mānyā vayandevau sṛṣṭisthitikarau vibhū | tadā pramāṇaṃ vakṣyāmo bhavatsandehabhedakam
“If you accept us two deities as the mighty agents of creation and preservation, then we shall state the authoritative proof that will cut through your doubt.”
Brahma and Vishnu (speaking together, inferred from the dual form devau and the claim of creation and preservation)
Tattva Level: pashu
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga passage; the verse frames Brahmā–Viṣṇu’s claim to be sṛṣṭi and sthiti agents, a common prelude in Śaiva narratives where their limited offices are later subordinated to Śiva’s parameśvaratva.
FAQs
It highlights that spiritual certainty requires pramāṇa (authoritative means of knowledge) to dissolve doubt, preparing the seeker to recognize Shiva as the supreme Pati beyond limited claims of cosmic function.
By emphasizing proof that dispels doubt, it supports approaching Saguna Shiva (such as the Linga) with firm conviction, so devotion is grounded in śāstra and leads toward realization of Shiva’s transcendent nature.
A practical takeaway is śāstra-svādhyāya (scriptural recitation/reflection) alongside japa of the Panchākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” using right understanding to steady devotion and meditation.