Shloka 21
क्वचिद्विद्युत्प्रपातेन दह्यमाना व्रजन्ति च । महता बाणवर्षेण विध्यमानाश्च सर्वतः
kvacidvidyutprapātena dahyamānā vrajanti ca | mahatā bāṇavarṣeṇa vidhyamānāśca sarvataḥ
ある者は突如落ちた稲妻に焼かれ、よろめきながらも進む。しかも四方いたるところで、激しい矢の雨に射抜かれて倒れてゆく。
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Rudra
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga episode; the verse depicts beings driven through a violent, punitive cosmic landscape—typical of Purāṇic naraka/daṇḍa descriptions used to teach dharma and the need for Śiva’s grace.
Significance: Functions as a didactic warning: fear of bondage (pāśa) and suffering turns the mind toward śaraṇāgati to Śiva and remedial worship.
Cosmic Event: Apocalyptic/punitive storm imagery (lightning and arrow-rain) evoking karmic retribution under niyati.
FAQs
It portrays the intensity of worldly conflict and suffering, reminding the seeker (pashu) that all external supports are fragile; in Shaiva Siddhanta, liberation comes by turning from pasha (bondage) toward Pati (Shiva) as the only stable refuge.
The verse underscores the need for a tangible refuge amid chaos; Saguna Shiva, worshipped as the Linga, is approached as the compassionate Protector who grants steadiness and grace when the world appears like ‘lightning and arrows’ from all sides.
A practical takeaway is steady japa of the Panchakshara (“Om Namah Shivaya”) for inner protection and composure, supported by Tripundra (bhasma) and Rudraksha as aids to remembrance of Shiva during fear and turmoil.