Shloka 37
वीरभद्रक्रोधशमनं देवस्तुतिश्च
Pacification of Vīrabhadra and the Gods’ Hymn
दक्षस्य भगवानेव स्वयं ब्रह्मा पितामहः । तत्पापानुगुणं चक्रे जरच्छागमुखं मुखम्
dakṣasya bhagavāneva svayaṃ brahmā pitāmahaḥ | tatpāpānuguṇaṃ cakre jaracchāgamukhaṃ mukham
Then the venerable Grandsire Brahmā himself fashioned for Dakṣa a face like that of an old goat, in accordance with the measure of his sin.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga episode; this is within the Dakṣa-yajña aftermath where karmic consequence is visibly imposed (goat-face) to mark the offense against Śiva and Satī.
Significance: Didactic: illustrates pāśa (bondage) as karmic/adharmic consequence and the necessity of humility before Pati.
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: teaching
FAQs
It highlights the Shaiva principle that arrogance and wrongdoing (pāpa) bind the soul (paśu) through karmic consequence (pāśa); the altered face symbolizes the visible fruit of inner fault and the need for humility before Pati, Lord Śiva.
The Dakṣa episode is a cautionary frame for Saguna Śiva worship: ritual status or pride cannot replace devotion; honoring Śiva (often through Liṅga-upāsanā) requires reverence, purity of intent, and respect for Śiva’s devotees.
A practical takeaway is penitence and humility: daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with sincere self-correction, and simple Śiva-pūjā (water/abhiṣeka) to reduce ego-driven offenses and align conduct with dharma.