Shloka 20
शिवतत्त्ववर्णनम् (Śiva-tattva-varṇana) — “Description/Exposition of the Principle of Śiva”
ब्रह्मन्सृष्टिं कुरु त्वं हि मदाज्ञापरिपालकः । वत्स वत्स हरे त्वं च पालयैवं चराचरम्
brahmansṛṣṭiṃ kuru tvaṃ hi madājñāparipālakaḥ | vatsa vatsa hare tvaṃ ca pālayaivaṃ carācaram
«Ô Brahmā, accomplis l’œuvre de la création, car tu es l’exécuteur fidèle de Mon ordre. Et toi aussi, cher Hari, protège de cette même manière l’univers entier des êtres mobiles et immobiles.»
Lord Shiva (as the Supreme Pati commanding the cosmic functions)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Sthala Purana: Not tied to a single Jyotirliṅga; it articulates the Śaiva cosmological governance where Brahmā and Viṣṇu function as adhikārins under Śiva’s command for sṛṣṭi and sthiti.
Significance: Doctrinal ‘tīrtha’ value: reinforces Śiva as Pati (supreme Lord) and frames other deities’ roles as delegated offices; contemplation strengthens śaraṇāgati and steadies bhakti.
Cosmic Event: Delegation of cosmic functions at the outset of manifestation (sṛṣṭi) and maintenance (sthiti).
FAQs
It affirms Shiva as Pati (the Supreme Lord) who appoints Brahmā for creation and Hari (Viṣṇu) for protection, teaching that all cosmic functions operate under Shiva’s sovereign will and grace.
In Saguna worship, Shiva is adored as the personal Lord who governs creation and sustenance; the Liṅga symbolizes that supreme source from whom Brahmā and Viṣṇu derive their delegated powers.
A practical takeaway is surrender (śaraṇāgati) through japa of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” offering bhasma (Tripuṇḍra) and prayers to align one’s duties with Shiva’s command, as Brahmā and Viṣṇu do cosmically.