Shloka 70
Niṣādasya Bhillasya Itihāsaḥ — Śivarātri-vrata-prabhāvaḥ
The Hunter’s Account and the Efficacy of the Śivarātri Observance
मृगी ज्येष्ठा च या तत्र स्वामिनं वाक्यमब्रवीत् । त्वां विना बालका ह्यत्र कथं स्थास्यंति वै मृग
mṛgī jyeṣṭhā ca yā tatra svāminaṃ vākyamabravīt | tvāṃ vinā bālakā hyatra kathaṃ sthāsyaṃti vai mṛga
Di sana, rusa betina yang tertua berkata kepada tuannya: “Wahai rusa jantan, tanpa engkau, bagaimana anak-anak ini akan tinggal di sini dan terus hidup?”
Suta Goswami (narrating a dialogue within the story; the immediate speaker in the verse is the eldest doe addressing the stag)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga setting; the verse dramatizes household/kinship dharma (protection of the young) as an analogue to Śiva’s sustaining function (sthiti) as Paśupati.
Significance: Cultivates compassion and responsibility; highlights the dharmic tension between vow-keeping and protection of dependents—both valued in Śaiva ethics.
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
FAQs
The verse highlights dharma expressed as compassionate responsibility—care for dependents in times of danger—an attitude that, in Shaiva Siddhanta, becomes a purifier of the heart and supports devotion to Pati (Lord Shiva) through righteous living.
By showing fear, dependence, and the need for protection, the verse points to the human (and creaturely) condition of pashu seeking shelter; Saguna Shiva, worshipped as the Linga and as the compassionate Lord, is approached as the ultimate protector when worldly supports feel uncertain.
A practical takeaway is śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) through japa of the Panchakshara—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—especially during anxiety, along with simple daily Shiva worship (lighting a lamp, offering water to a Linga, and remembering Shiva as the protector).