Shloka 69
Andhakeśvara-liṅga Māhātmya and Śiva’s Subjugation of Andhaka (अन्धकेश्वरलिङ्गमाहात्म्य तथा अन्धकवध-प्रसङ्ग)
एकस्मिन्समये चात्र बटोः कार्यं पुरा ह्यभूत् । ध्वजः स पतितो वै हि ब्रह्मभोजं विनापि हि
ekasminsamaye cātra baṭoḥ kāryaṃ purā hyabhūt | dhvajaḥ sa patito vai hi brahmabhojaṃ vināpi hi
Pada suatu waktu di sini timbul suatu perkara mengenai seorang bāṭu (brahmacārin). Sungguh, panji itu jatuh—padahal jamuan brahmana pun tidak diabaikan.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Sthala Purana: An inauspicious omen (the falling dhvaja) arises around a brahmacārin-related affair; the narrative sets up a later disclosure that the event is actually a sign of Śiva’s hidden agency rather than mere ritual fault.
Significance: Teaches pilgrims to read temple-omens with discernment: not every disturbance indicates neglect; Śiva may be indicating a deeper cause and inviting inquiry.
FAQs
The verse highlights that events and omens can manifest beyond ordinary ritual causality, pointing devotees toward Shiva’s unseen governance (Pati) over worldly signs and outcomes.
In Jyotirlinga-oriented narration, such signs are read as prompts to renew temple-dharma and turn to Saguna Shiva (the worshipful Lord) for protection, clarity, and restoration of auspiciousness.
A practical takeaway is to perform Shiva-smaraṇa with the Panchakshara mantra (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and maintain purity in worship—offering water, bilva, and regular pūjā—rather than relying only on external feasts as the sole measure of auspiciousness.