Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 15
Kedāreśvara-pratiṣṭhā: Nara-Nārāyaṇa’s Worship and Śiva’s Abiding as Jyoti
तद्रूपेण स्थितस्तत्र भक्तवत्सलनामभाक् । नयपाले शिरोभागो गतस्तद्रूपतः स्थितः
tadrūpeṇa sthitastatra bhaktavatsalanāmabhāk | nayapāle śirobhāgo gatastadrūpataḥ sthitaḥ
அதே வடிவில் அங்கே நிலைத்த சிவன் ‘பக்தவத்ஸலன்’ என்ற நாமத்தால் புகழ்பெற்றார். அதே வடிவில் அவருடைய தலையின் ஒரு பகுதி நயபாலத்தில் வந்து நிலைபெற்றது।
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Jyotirlinga: Kedāranātha
Sthala Purana: Śiva, remaining in the buffalo-form episode, becomes famed as Bhaktavatsala (‘tender to devotees’). The narrative also localizes His presence: a portion of the head is said to have become established at a place called Nayapāla, reflecting the Kedāra region’s multi-site sacral geography.
Significance: Affirms that Śiva’s grace can ‘anchor’ in specific sthalas; devotees visit such sites to receive bhaktavātsalya—protective, intimate divine favor.
Type: stotra
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It highlights Śiva’s core Shaiva teaching that the Lord is Bhaktavatsala—He willingly abides in a manifest (saguṇa) form for the protection and uplift of devotees, making sacred places powerful through His presence.
By stating that Śiva “remained established” in a particular form at a place, the verse supports the Purāṇic idea that saguṇa manifestations—often worshiped as Liṅga or localized divine presence—are valid, grace-giving supports for devotion leading toward liberation.
Pilgrimage and steady bhakti: visit the sacred site with purity, worship Śiva with pañcākṣara ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya"), and perform simple offerings (water, bilva) while meditating on Him as Bhaktavatsala.