Shloka 31
अवधूतेश्वरलीला (Avadhūteśvara-līlā) — Śiva Tests Indra’s Pride on the Way to Kailāsa
बृहस्पतिरुवाच । हे देव भगवन्भक्ता अनुकम्प्याः सदैव हि । भक्तवत्सलनामेति स्वं सत्यं कुरु शंकर
bṛhaspatiruvāca | he deva bhagavanbhaktā anukampyāḥ sadaiva hi | bhaktavatsalanāmeti svaṃ satyaṃ kuru śaṃkara
Bṛhaspati berkata: “Wahai Deva, wahai Bhagavan! Para bhakta-Mu sentiasa layak menerima belas kasih. Kerana Engkau masyhur sebagai ‘Bhaktavatsala’—yang mengasihi para bhakta—wahai Śaṅkara, jadikanlah nama (dan janji)Mu sendiri benar.”
Bṛhaspati
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Rudra
Significance: Establishes the doctrinal basis for approaching Śiva as Bhaktavatsala: the Lord’s grace (anugraha) is invoked through śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) and compassionate regard for the paśu (bound soul).
Type: stotra
FAQs
It affirms a core Shaiva teaching: Shiva’s grace (anugraha) naturally flows toward sincere devotees, and His divine “name” as Bhaktavatsala is realized through compassionate action.
By addressing Śaṅkara as personally responsive to devotees, the verse supports Saguna Shiva devotion—approaching the Linga as a living presence who grants mercy and protection to bhaktas.
A practical takeaway is bhakti-based japa—especially the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”)—performed with trust in Shiva’s compassion and the intention to live as a worthy devotee.