Shloka 20
भैरवावतारवर्णनम् (Bhairavāvatāra-varṇanam) — “Description of the Descent/Manifestation of Bhairava”
प्रष्टव्यास्ते विशेषेण स्थिता मूर्तिधराश्च ते । पप्रच्छतुः प्रमाणज्ञानित्युक्त्वा चतुरोऽपि तान्
praṣṭavyāste viśeṣeṇa sthitā mūrtidharāśca te | papracchatuḥ pramāṇajñānityuktvā caturo'pi tān
แล้ว (อาจารย์) กล่าวว่า “จงถามพวกเขาเป็นพิเศษ—ผู้ที่ยืนอยู่ ณ ที่นี้ในรูปกาย และพร้อมด้วยความรู้แห่งปรมาณ (หลักฐานอันเชื่อถือได้)” กล่าวดังนี้แล้ว ท่านจึงให้ทั้งสี่เข้าไปไต่ถาม
Suta Goswami (narrating the Shatarudra Samhita discourse to the sages, indicating an instruction within the narrative)
Tattva Level: pashu
Significance: Highlights the move from contention to inquiry (praśna) and submission to true pramāṇa-jñāna—an anugraha-pattern where the bound seek guidance from higher knowers.
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse emphasizes disciplined inquiry (praśna) directed toward true sources of pramāṇa—reliable spiritual authority—so that knowledge of Shiva’s manifested forms is gained correctly and leads toward right understanding and liberation-oriented devotion.
By pointing to “mūrtidharas” (embodied forms), the verse supports Saguna engagement—approaching Shiva through manifest forms and teachings—while insisting that worship and understanding be grounded in authentic authority rather than speculation.
The practical takeaway is śravaṇa–manana: respectfully questioning competent teachers and reflecting on their answers; this can be paired with daily japa of the Pañcākṣara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) to stabilize the knowledge received.