अन्धक-प्रश्नः — Inquiry into Andhaka
Genealogy and Nature
महेश उवाच । हे दैत्यनाथ कुरु नेन्द्रियसंघपातं किमर्थमेतद्व्रतमाश्रितं ते । प्रब्रूहि कामं वरदो भवोऽहं यदिच्छसि त्वं सकलं ददामि
maheśa uvāca | he daityanātha kuru nendriyasaṃghapātaṃ kimarthametadvratamāśritaṃ te | prabrūhi kāmaṃ varado bhavo'haṃ yadicchasi tvaṃ sakalaṃ dadāmi
Mahēśa disse: “Ó senhor dos Dāityas, não arruines o conjunto dos teus sentidos. Com que propósito assumiste este voto? Declara-me o desejo do teu coração. Eu sou Bhava, o doador de graças—tudo o que desejares, eu te concederei por inteiro.”
Lord Shiva (Mahesha/Bhava)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Type: stotra
Role: teaching
Shiva emphasizes that austerity and vows are not meant for self-harm; true discipline is purposeful and aligned with dharma. As Pati (the Lord), he tests the intention behind tapas and offers grace when the seeker’s aim is clearly expressed.
Shiva appears as Saguna Mahesha—personally speaking, guiding, and granting boons. This reflects how devotees approach the Linga as a living presence of Shiva: not merely for hardship, but for conscious surrender, right intention, and receiving Shiva’s anugraha (grace).
The verse implies disciplined vratam with balanced indriya-nigraha (sense-restraint) rather than extreme self-torment—supported by Shiva-bhakti practices like japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and mindful observance of vows.