Shloka 42
अवधूतेश्वरलीला (Avadhūteśvara-līlā) — Śiva Tests Indra’s Pride on the Way to Kailāsa
अवधूतेश्वराह्वोऽवतारस्ते कथितो मया । परमेशस्य परमानन्ददः खलदण्डदः
avadhūteśvarāhvo'vatāraste kathito mayā | parameśasya paramānandadaḥ khaladaṇḍadaḥ
अवधूतेश्वराह्वोऽयं अवतारः कथितो मया । परमेशस्य साक्षाद् हि परमानन्ददः खलदण्डदः ॥
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Bhikṣāṭana
Sthala Purana: Avadhūteśvara is presented as an avatāra-name/title of Śiva emphasizing avadhūta (world-transcending) mode; the verse frames him as both bliss-giver to devotees and chastiser of the wicked, rather than tying him to a single shrine-origin.
Significance: Encourages devotion to Śiva’s avatāra as a direct channel of anugraha; stresses ethical purification—grace for bhaktas, corrective punishment for khalas.
Type: stotra
Role: liberating
FAQs
It presents Śiva as Parameśa who simultaneously grants paramānanda (liberating bliss) to the devoted and upholds dharma by restraining adharma—showing His grace (anugraha) and corrective power as two aspects of the same Lord.
By naming an avatāra and describing His functions, the verse points to Saguna Śiva—worshipped through form, name, and symbols like the Liṅga—through whom devotees receive grace, protection, and inner transformation toward liberation.
Bhakti-based remembrance of Śiva’s name and form is implied—especially japa of the Pañcākṣarī ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") with a dharmic life, seeking His grace for bliss and purification from wicked tendencies.