Shloka 20
Sarasvatī-avatāra-prasaṅgaḥ
Account of Sarasvatī’s Manifestation and the Humbling of the Devas
चरित्रमीदृशं यस्य तमेव शरणं श्रये । इति संचिन्तयामास सहस्राक्षः पुनःपुनः
caritramīdṛśaṃ yasya tameva śaraṇaṃ śraye | iti saṃcintayāmāsa sahasrākṣaḥ punaḥpunaḥ
“He whose conduct is of such a kind—him alone I take refuge in.” Thinking thus again and again, Sahasrākṣa (Indra) reflected repeatedly.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Purana account; the quoted thought is Indra’s)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Mantra: तमेव शरणं श्रये
Type: stotra
Role: liberating
FAQs
The verse highlights śaraṇāgati—recognizing the Supreme Lord (Pati, Shiva) as the only true refuge. Indra’s repeated contemplation shows that liberation and protection arise from turning the mind again and again toward Shiva’s divine nature and exemplary conduct.
Taking refuge in Shiva is commonly expressed through Saguna worship—approaching Shiva as compassionate Lord via the Śiva-liṅga, names, and forms. The inner attitude of refuge (śaraṇam) is the essence that empowers external worship and makes it spiritually fruitful.
The practice implied is repeated remembrance and surrender: mentally returning “again and again” to Shiva. A direct application is japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") with the intention of refuge, supported by simple daily Shiva worship.