Shloka 60
Andhakeśvara-liṅga Māhātmya and Śiva’s Subjugation of Andhaka (अन्धकेश्वरलिङ्गमाहात्म्य तथा अन्धकवध-प्रसङ्ग)
शुभं वाप्यशुभं वापि बटुकं न परित्यजेत् । प्राजापत्ये च भोज्ये वै वटुरेको विशिष्यते
śubhaṃ vāpyaśubhaṃ vāpi baṭukaṃ na parityajet | prājāpatye ca bhojye vai vaṭureko viśiṣyate
Que l’occasion soit favorable ou défavorable, on ne doit pas renvoyer un baṭuka (jeune brahmacārin). En vérité, dans le repas rituel du rite prājāpatya, un seul baṭuka est tenu pour particulièrement éminent.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva Purana teachings to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Significance: Highlights dharma of honoring the brahmacārin/vaṭu as a living vessel of ritual purity; supports the integrity of Śaiva rites by proper hospitality and feeding rules.
Offering: naivedya
FAQs
It teaches that reverence toward a baṭuka (symbol of discipline, purity, and Vedic restraint) should be maintained in all circumstances; honoring such embodied sattva supports dharma and purifies the devotee’s intent—key to Shaiva worship bearing fruit.
In Linga-worship, outer offerings are meant to express inner reverence; feeding and not dismissing a worthy brahmacārin reflects the same bhāva of honoring Shiva present in beings, making pilgrimage and Jyotirlinga devotion complete through right conduct.
It implies a practical vow of seva: respectfully hosting/feeding a baṭuka during prescribed rites and maintaining purity of conduct; as a meditative takeaway, cultivate humility and steadiness (brahmacarya-bhāva) alongside mantra-japa.