Shloka 18
अवंतीस्थ-ब्राह्मणकथा तथा तृतीय-ज्योतिर्लिङ्गोपाख्यान-प्रस्तावना
Avanti Brahmin Narrative and Prelude to the Third Jyotirliṅga
अवंती नगरी रम्या तत्रैका दृश्यते पुनः । इत्थं विचार्य तेनैव यत्कृतं श्रूयतां हि तत्
avaṃtī nagarī ramyā tatraikā dṛśyate punaḥ | itthaṃ vicārya tenaiva yatkṛtaṃ śrūyatāṃ hi tat
“Avantī ialah kota yang indah menawan; di sana, sesungguhnya suatu kehadiran suci terlihat kembali. Setelah menimbang demikian, dengarlah sekarang apa yang telah dilakukan olehnya.”
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahākāla
Jyotirlinga: Mahākāleśvara
Sthala Purana: Turning point: despite widespread dharma-kṣaya, Avantī (Ujjayinī) is singled out as the place where a ‘certain presence’ is again perceived—foreshadowing Mahākāla’s saving manifestation and the reappearance of sacred order.
Significance: Avantī is portrayed as a refuge-kṣetra where Śiva’s presence becomes directly accessible; pilgrimage here is linked to protection and eventual liberation through anugraha.
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
FAQs
The verse marks a transition into a Jyotirlinga-style sacred narrative: it highlights Avanti as a blessed kshetra where a singular divine presence becomes perceivable, and it invites the listener into the transformative deed that follows—typical of Shaiva bhakti where sacred place and divine revelation awaken devotion and right understanding.
In the Kotirudra context, “a certain one is seen” naturally points toward a manifest, worship-worthy form—often the Linga as Saguna Shiva—through which devotees can approach the transcendent (Nirguna) Lord. The narrative framing suggests a forthcoming account of how that manifestation became known or worshiped.
The immediate practice implied is śravaṇa (reverent listening) to the Mahatmya, which in Shaiva tradition supports bhakti and pilgrimage intent; when applied at such kshetras, it is commonly paired with Linga-darśana, mantra-japa (e.g., Om Namaḥ Śivāya), and simple worship offerings according to one’s capacity.