Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 27
Diti’s Untimely Desire and the Birth-Cause of the Asura Line
Prelude to Hiranyākṣa–Varāha
यस्यानवद्याचरितं मनीषिणो गृणन्त्यविद्यापटलं बिभित्सव: । निरस्तसाम्यातिशयोऽपि यत्स्वयं पिशाचचर्यामचरद्गति: सताम् ॥ २७ ॥
yasyānavadyācaritaṁ manīṣiṇo gṛṇanty avidyā-paṭalaṁ bibhitsavaḥ nirasta-sāmyātiśayo ’pi yat svayaṁ piśāca-caryām acarad gatiḥ satām
賢者たちは無明の覆いを破らんとして、彼の非の打ちどころなき行いを讃える。シヴァに等しい者も勝る者もいないのに、聖者の究竟の帰趣である彼は、主の信徒に安寧と解脱を授けるため、あえてピシャーチャのような振る舞いを示すのである。
Lord Śiva’s uncivilized, devilish characteristics are never abominable because he teaches the sincere devotees of the Lord how to practice detachment from material enjoyment. He is called Mahādeva, or the greatest of all demigods, and no one is equal to or greater than him in the material world. He is almost equal with Lord Viṣṇu. Although he always associates with Māyā, Durgā, he is above the reactionary stage of the three modes of material nature, and although he is in charge of devilish characters in the mode of ignorance, he is not affected by such association.
FAQs
It indicates an astonishing, seemingly improper or frightening display done by the Lord for a higher divine purpose—His transcendence remains untouched, even when He imitates unusual conduct within creation.
Because the Lord’s spotless līlās, when heard and sung, cut through avidyā—the inner misconception that binds the soul—thus awakening devotion and right vision.
Do not judge the Divine only by surface appearances; instead, regularly hear/chant sacred narratives with humility, using them to dissolve ignorance and strengthen steady bhakti.