Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 16
शिवतेजसः समुद्रे बालरूपप्रादुर्भावः (Śiva’s Tejas Manifesting as a Child in the Ocean)
ततो ब्रह्माब्रवीद्वाक्यं सागरं विस्मयान्वितः । जलराशे द्रुतं ब्रूहि कस्यायं शिशुरद्भुतः
tato brahmābravīdvākyaṃ sāgaraṃ vismayānvitaḥ | jalarāśe drutaṃ brūhi kasyāyaṃ śiśuradbhutaḥ
அப்போது வியப்பால் நிறைந்த பிரம்மா சாகரனை நோக்கி— “ஓ நீர்த்தொகையே! விரைவாகச் சொல்; இந்த அதிசயக் குழந்தை யாருடையது?” என்று கூறினார்।
Brahma
Tattva Level: pashu
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga account; Brahmā’s astonished inquiry marks the unveiling phase of Jalandhara’s origin story.
FAQs
Brahmā’s astonishment highlights that the Divine (Śiva’s will and manifestation) can appear in unexpected forms; the verse teaches humility before the mysterious workings of Pati (the Lord) that surpass ordinary cosmic administration.
The verse reflects the Purāṇic emphasis on Saguna revelation—God becoming perceptible through a form and event. Just as the Liṅga is a worshipable manifestation pointing to the transcendent, this ‘wondrous child’ is a tangible sign that prompts inquiry and devotion.
The practical takeaway is contemplative reverence (bhāva) when encountering the marvelous—pause, remember Śiva as the indwelling Lord, and steady the mind with japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”).