Shloka 16
रावणस्य तपः-शिवानुग्रहः — Rāvaṇa’s Austerity and Śiva’s Bestowal of Grace
सूत उवाच । इत्युक्तश्शंभुना तेन रावणो राक्षसेश्वरः । तथेति तत्समादाय जगाम भवनं निजम्
sūta uvāca | ityuktaśśaṃbhunā tena rāvaṇo rākṣaseśvaraḥ | tatheti tatsamādāya jagāma bhavanaṃ nijam
सूतजी बोले—शम्भु के ऐसा कहने पर राक्षसों के स्वामी रावण ने ‘तथास्तु’ कहकर उत्तर दिया। उस उपदेश को हृदय में धारण कर वह अपने निज भवन को चला गया।
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
FAQs
It highlights Śiva’s anugraha (grace) working through instruction: even a powerful being like Rāvaṇa must accept Śambhu’s word and act accordingly, showing that true spiritual progress begins with obedience and surrender to Pati (the Lord).
Śambhu here functions as Saguna Śiva—personally guiding a devotee through speech and command. In Linga worship, the devotee similarly receives direction through śāstra and guru, and responds with “tathā” (acceptance), turning devotion into disciplined practice.
The takeaway is śiva-ājñā-anusaraṇa—following Śiva’s injunctions: maintain daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with a mind of compliance and humility, and let actions align with dharma rather than ego.