Shloka 1
Durgama’s Seizure of the Vedas and the Gods’ Refuge in Yogamāyā (दुर्गमकृतवेदनाशः—योगमायाशरणगमनम्)
मुनय ऊचुः । श्रोतुकामा वयं सर्वे दुर्गाचरितमन्वहम् । अपरं च महाप्राज्ञ तत्त्वं वर्णय नोऽद्भुतम्
munaya ūcuḥ | śrotukāmā vayaṃ sarve durgācaritamanvaham | aparaṃ ca mahāprājña tattvaṃ varṇaya no'dbhutam
The sages said: “We all wish to hear, in full, the sacred account of Durgā’s deeds. And further, O greatly wise one, describe to us the wondrous truth (tattva) as well.”
The sages (Munis) addressing the narrator (traditionally Suta Goswami in Purana dialogue settings)
Tattva Level: pashu
Significance: Frames kathā-śravaṇa as an upāya: the bound souls (paśu) seek ‘adbhuta tattva’—knowledge that culminates in Śiva’s grace.
Type: stotra
Shakti Form: Durgā
Role: liberating
FAQs
It highlights śravaṇa (devotional listening) as a primary doorway to grace: the sages seek both sacred narrative (Durgā’s deeds) and tattva (liberating truth), showing that devotion and right understanding together mature the soul toward Shiva-realization.
By requesting “tattva,” the sages indicate a move from sacred stories to the deeper principles behind worship—how Saguna forms (such as Durgā and Shiva’s manifest aspects) lead the devotee toward the Supreme Reality that the Linga signifies as the timeless, all-pervading Pati.
The implied practice is disciplined śravaṇa and manana—regularly hearing sacred accounts and reflecting on their tattva—often paired in Shaiva tradition with japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) to internalize the teaching.