Shloka 8
Nāgeśa-jyotirliṅga-prādurbhāvaḥ — The Manifestation of the Nāgeśa Jyotirliṅga
ते सर्वे पीडिता लोका और्वस्य शरणं ययुः । नत्वा प्रीत्या विशेषेण तमूचुर्नतमस्तकाः
te sarve pīḍitā lokā aurvasya śaraṇaṃ yayuḥ | natvā prītyā viśeṣeṇa tamūcurnatamastakāḥ
ते सर्वे पीडिता लोका और्वस्य शरणं ययुः; प्रीत्या विशेषेण नत्वा तमूचुर्नतमस्तकाः।
Suta Goswami (narrating the Purana account to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Sthala Purana: The verse sets up a refuge-seeking episode: afflicted beings approach a powerful ṛṣi (Aurva) as a proximate protector. In Jyotirliṅga-style narratives, such approach typically precedes Śiva’s intervention or the establishment/manifestation of a sacred locus, but this śloka itself does not name a Jyotirliṅga.
Significance: Śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) is framed as the first movement toward protection and eventual grace; the merit is the cultivation of humility and dependence on dharma and divine aid.
FAQs
The verse highlights śaraṇāgati—taking refuge with humility. In Shaiva understanding, the ego bows down first; then guidance and grace become accessible, leading the afflicted from fear toward protection and right conduct.
Approaching Aurva with bowed head mirrors how devotees approach Saguna Shiva in Linga-worship—through namaskara, reverence, and surrender. The attitude (bhakti and humility) is treated as essential for receiving Shiva’s protective grace.
A practical takeaway is daily namaskara with a refuge-prayer—mentally offering one’s distress at Shiva’s feet, repeating a Shiva mantra (such as the Panchakshara) with humility and devotion.