Shloka 10
Sarasvatī-avatāra-prasaṅgaḥ
Account of Sarasvatī’s Manifestation and the Humbling of the Devas
तत आज्ञापयद्देवान्देवानामधिनायकः । यात यूयं परीक्षध्वं याथातथ्येन किन्विति
tata ājñāpayaddevāndevānāmadhināyakaḥ | yāta yūyaṃ parīkṣadhvaṃ yāthātathyena kinviti
Then the overlord of the gods commanded the devas: “Go, all of you—investigate and ascertain the truth exactly as it is: what indeed is this?”
Suta Goswami (narrating the events; the command is spoken by the overlord of the devas, i.e., Indra)
Tattva Level: pashu
Sthala Purana: Indra’s command to ‘investigate the truth as it is’ sets up the didactic arc: deva-authority is insufficient; inquiry without surrender cannot pierce the concealed Supreme.
Significance: Teaches viveka: even the highest worldly authority must submit to tattva-jñāna; the seeker is urged to examine ‘yāthātathyena’ (as-it-is) rather than through pride or assumption.
FAQs
It emphasizes yathātathya-jñāna—knowing reality as it is—before responding to extraordinary events, a key Shaiva principle where discernment supports right action and protects dharma.
The devas’ instruction to verify the truth mirrors the Purana’s method of moving from uncertainty to recognition of Shiva’s presence—often culminating in understanding the Linga as the revelatory sign (liṅga) of Saguna Shiva guiding seekers toward the Supreme.
The practical takeaway is disciplined inquiry with mantra-centered clarity—pausing, observing, and aligning the mind with truth (satya) before action; in Shaiva practice this is supported by japa of “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” and steadying the mind in contemplation.