Shloka 15
Gaṅgā-Avataraṇa and the Naming of Gaṅgādvāra (गङ्गावतरणम्—गङ्गाद्वारप्रसिद्धिः)
कथ्यते हि त्वया सत्यं गौतमर्षे शिवं वचः । तथापि संग्रहार्थ च प्रायश्चितं चरंतु वै
kathyate hi tvayā satyaṃ gautamarṣe śivaṃ vacaḥ | tathāpi saṃgrahārtha ca prāyaścitaṃ caraṃtu vai
O pantas na Gautama, ang iyong sinabi ay tunay na totoo at kaayon ng banal na salita ni Śiva. Gayunman, alang-alang sa kaayusan at bilang gabay na halimbawa, nawa’y tiyak nilang isagawa ang itinakdang prāyaścitta, ang pag-alis-sala.
Lord Shiva (inferred, as Śiva’s directive/authority is being affirmed within Koṭirudrasaṃhitā’s Jyotirliṅga-dharma narrative)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Sthala Purana: The divine instruction validates Gautama’s alignment with Śiva’s teaching yet mandates prāyaścitta ‘for saṅgraha’—to preserve loka-saṅgraha (social-ritual order) and establish a precedent within tīrtha/śiva-dharma.
Significance: Highlights a Śaiva principle: even when inner truth is known, prescribed expiation may be observed to restore communal purity and invite Śiva’s grace.
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It teaches that even when one’s understanding is correct, Śaiva dharma emphasizes disciplined purification—prāyaścitta—as a means to restore inner clarity (śuddhi) and uphold an exemplary standard for society.
By affirming “Śiva’s word” and insisting on expiation, the verse frames Saguna Śiva (worshiped as Liṅga/Jyotirliṅga) as the living authority of dharma—devotion is not only praise, but also ethical correction and ritual purity offered to Śiva.
The takeaway is prāyaścitta performed in a Śiva-centered way—confession, corrective vows, and renewed worship (japa of the Pañcākṣarī ‘Om Namaḥ Śivāya’, along with purity observances such as bhasma/Rudrākṣa where traditional).