Saṃjñā–Chāyā Upākhyāna: Sūrya-tejas, Substitution, and the Birth of Manu, Yama, and Yamunā
छायोवाच । तवातितेजसा दग्धा इदं रूपं न शोभते । असहंती च तत्संज्ञा वने वसति शाद्वले
chāyovāca | tavātitejasā dagdhā idaṃ rūpaṃ na śobhate | asahaṃtī ca tatsaṃjñā vane vasati śādvale
チャーヤーは言った。「あなたの圧倒的な光輝に灼かれて、この姿はもはや美しくは映りません。その状態に耐えられず、彼女――まさにその名で知られる者――は森に住み、草の上に身を置いております。」
Chāyā
Tattva Level: pashu
The verse highlights that divine tejas (spiritual radiance) can “burn away” ordinary identity; when the embodied state cannot endure it, one withdraws into solitude—symbolizing tapas and inner purification on the path where Pati (Śiva) transforms the pashu toward freedom.
Saguna Shiva’s presence is experienced as tejas that purifies limitations. Linga-worship centers the mind on that purifying radiance; the devotee learns reverence and steadiness rather than seeking merely outward beauty or comfort.
A practical takeaway is to cultivate endurance in japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and quiet meditation in seclusion, letting Shiva’s tejas refine the mind; this pairs well with simple Shaiva observances like bhasma/tripundra and disciplined daily worship.