Shloka 25
नारीसन्देहभञ्जक-शम्भ्ववतारकथा
The Account of Śambhu’s Incarnation that Dispels Doubts Concerning Women
तत्राजगाम सहसा स भिक्षुः परमेश्वरः । यत्रास्ति संदेहवती द्विजस्त्री ज्ञातुमिच्छती
tatrājagāma sahasā sa bhikṣuḥ parameśvaraḥ | yatrāsti saṃdehavatī dvijastrī jñātumicchatī
Di tempat itu juga, Tuhan Yang Maha Tinggi—yang menampakkan diri sebagai seorang pengemis suci—datang dengan segera, ke tempat wanita brāhmaṇa yang diliputi keraguan dan ingin mengetahui kebenaran.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Bhikṣāṭana
Sthala Purana: The ‘sudden arrival’ of the disguised Lord at the devotee’s location is a common narrative kernel used in local traditions to sacralize a site: the place becomes holy because Śiva ‘came there’ (tatrājagāma).
Significance: Encourages vigilance in dharma and hospitality: the divine may arrive unrecognized; serving the guest becomes serving Śiva, leading to removal of doubt and bondage.
FAQs
It shows Shiva as Parameśvara responding to the seeker’s inner crisis: when doubt arises, the Lord compassionately manifests (even in humble disguise) to grant clarity, turning saṃśaya into jñāna through grace.
The verse highlights Saguna Shiva’s accessibility—He takes a visible form (a bhikṣu) to guide devotees. In Linga worship, this same compassionate Presence is approached through a concrete symbol, inviting inquiry, surrender, and direct experience.
Approach Shiva with humility and a question-filled heart: chant the Pañcākṣarī mantra (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with japa, apply Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) as a reminder of impermanence, and pray for the removal of doubt and the awakening of right understanding.