Shloka 56
Jaṭilāvatāra-Parīkṣā: Pārvatyāḥ Tapasāṃ Parīkṣaṇam
The Jaṭilā Episode and the Testing of Pārvatī’s Austerity
ब्रह्मचारिस्वरूपेण भावमिच्छुस्त्वदीयकम् । तवोपकण्ठमागत्य प्रावोचं विविधं वचः
brahmacārisvarūpeṇa bhāvamicchustvadīyakam | tavopakaṇṭhamāgatya prāvocaṃ vividhaṃ vacaḥ
તારા અંતર્ભાવને બહાર લાવવા ઇચ્છીને મેં બ્રહ્મચારીનું સ્વરૂપ ધારણ કર્યું; પછી તારી નજીક આવીને મેં વિવિધ પ્રકારનાં વચનો કહ્યાં।
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Bhikṣāṭana
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: teaching
FAQs
It shows that Shiva tests a seeker’s inner bhāva (intention) rather than outer display; true progress in Shaiva dharma is measured by steadiness, purity, and sincerity under trial.
Shiva’s taking a visible form (saguṇa) to examine devotion teaches that Linga-worship is not mere ritual—its power is fulfilled when the devotee’s inner resolve and surrender become firm.
Maintain a vow-like discipline (brahmacarya/samyama), speak truthfully, and repeat Shiva’s mantra (especially the Pañcākṣarī) while cultivating steady bhakti—so one’s inner intention remains pure even when tested.