Shloka 23
तारकपीडितदेवशरणागतिḥ — The Devas Seek Refuge from Tāraka
युष्माकं चाखिलं कार्यं कर्तुं योग्यो हि शंकरः । किन्तु स्वयं न शक्तो हि प्रतिकर्तुं प्रचो दितः
yuṣmākaṃ cākhilaṃ kāryaṃ kartuṃ yogyo hi śaṃkaraḥ | kintu svayaṃ na śakto hi pratikartuṃ praco ditaḥ
Śaṅkara est certes capable d’accomplir toutes vos œuvres ; pourtant, même sollicité, Il n’agit pas de Lui‑même pour exercer des représailles.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating the Purāṇic dialogue in context)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Role: liberating
FAQs
It highlights Śiva’s supreme capacity (śakti) to accomplish all ends, while also emphasizing His mastery over impulse—He does not act from reactive anger. In Shaiva understanding, this points to divine sovereignty guided by dharma and compassion rather than ego-driven retaliation.
Saguna Śiva as Śaṅkara is worshipped as both all-powerful and perfectly self-controlled. Linga-worship trains the devotee to approach that same steadiness—seeking Śiva’s help for rightful aims while abandoning reactive passions and vindictiveness.
A practical takeaway is japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” to cool reactivity and cultivate forbearance; optionally apply Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) as a reminder of detachment and restraint before responding to provocation.