Shiva Purana — Satarudra Samhita, Shloka 20
Jaṭilāvatāra-Parīkṣā: Pārvatyāḥ Tapasāṃ Parīkṣaṇam
The Jaṭilā Episode and the Testing of Pārvatī’s Austerity
ब्रह्मचार्य्युवाच । किम्ब्रवीमि महादेवि कथनीयन्न विद्यते । महानर्थकरं वृत्तं दृश्यते विकृतं महत्
brahmacāryyuvāca | kimbravīmi mahādevi kathanīyanna vidyate | mahānarthakaraṃ vṛttaṃ dṛśyate vikṛtaṃ mahat
ब्रह्मचारी बोला—हे महादेवी, मैं क्या कहूँ? यहाँ कहने योग्य कुछ भी नहीं है। अत्यन्त विकृत और महान् अनर्थ करने वाला वृत्तान्त दिखाई देता है।
Brahmacārin (Brahmachari)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse highlights viveka (discernment): when events become “vikṛta” (morally/spiritually distorted) and “anartha-kara” (harm-producing), a seeker recognizes the danger of adharma and turns inward toward Shiva-tattva, the stable refuge beyond worldly confusion.
By admitting that nothing beneficial can be said amid a distorted situation, the speaker implicitly points to taking shelter in Saguna Shiva—through Linga worship and remembrance of the Lord—so the mind is re-centered in dharma and protected from anartha.
A practical takeaway is japa of the Panchākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with a dharmic resolve, using calm silence (mauna) where speech would inflame disorder—then returning to regular Shiva-upāsanā such as Linga-archana and meditation on the Lord as Pati (the liberator).