Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 24
शिवतत्त्वे परापरभावविचारः
Inquiry into Śiva’s Principle and the Parā–Aparā Paradox
गावश्च कश्चिद्दुग्धौघं स्रवन्त्यो मूर्ध्नि खेचराः । सरुषा प्रेक्ष्य देवेन तत्क्षणे भस्मसात्कृतः
gāvaśca kaściddugdhaughaṃ sravantyo mūrdhni khecarāḥ | saruṣā prekṣya devena tatkṣaṇe bhasmasātkṛtaḥ
Et un être aérien (khecara) fit que des vaches versent un flot de lait sur la tête du Seigneur. Mais lorsque le Deva le contempla avec courroux, il fut, à l’instant même, réduit en cendres.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Bhairava
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga episode; depicts an attempted appeasement/attack via milk-streaming upon Śiva’s head by a khecara, met with immediate incineration—emphasizing that improper acts toward Śiva, even with ‘pure’ substances, can be adharma.
Significance: Instruction for ritual propriety (vidhi): substances like milk are sanctifying only when offered with devotion and right intention; otherwise they become offense (aparādha).
FAQs
The verse highlights Shiva as Pati (the Supreme Lord) whose mere glance can dissolve hostile intent into bhasma—symbolizing the burning away of ego, aggression, and bondage (pāśa) that obstruct liberation.
It reflects Saguna Shiva’s sovereign, protective power in līlā: the Lord responds to irreverence or harm with instantaneous divine authority, reminding devotees that the Linga is not a mere symbol but the living presence of Shiva.
Contemplate bhasma as the sign of inner renunciation and impermanence: apply Tripuṇḍra with reverence (if initiated in the tradition), and meditate on Shiva’s purifying fire that turns negativity and pride into ash.