शिवदूतान्समभ्येत्य यमोपि परिपृष्टवान् । महापातककर्त्तारं कथमेनं निनीषथ
śivadūtānsamabhyetya yamopi paripṛṣṭavān | mahāpātakakarttāraṃ kathamenaṃ ninīṣatha
Approaching the messengers of Śiva, Yama himself asked: “How is it that you intend to take away this doer of great sins?”
Vāmadeva (narrating); Yama speaks within the narrative
Scene: Yama, regal and stern, confronts radiant Śiva-dūtas; a courtroom-like cosmic setting with attendants, scrolls/records, and a tense but principled exchange.
Cosmic justice recognizes sin, yet higher divine grace and dharmic marks can warrant exceptional release.
No tīrtha is mentioned; the focus is on afterlife governance (Yama) and Śiva’s authority.
None; it frames a doctrinal question about eligibility for deliverance.