Shloka 24
अवंतीस्थ-ब्राह्मणकथा तथा तृतीय-ज्योतिर्लिङ्गोपाख्यान-प्रस्तावना
Avanti Brahmin Narrative and Prelude to the Third Jyotirliṅga
अन्यथा जीवने तेषां संशयश्च भविष्यति । इति सत्यं मया प्रोक्तं तत्कुरुध्वं विशंकिताः
anyathā jīvane teṣāṃ saṃśayaśca bhaviṣyati | iti satyaṃ mayā proktaṃ tatkurudhvaṃ viśaṃkitāḥ
ورنہ اُن کی زندگی کے بارے میں بھی یقیناً شک پیدا ہو جائے گا۔ یہ سچ میں نے کہا ہے؛ پس اے تردد کرنے والو، اسی پر عمل کرو۔
Suta Goswami (narrating the Kotirudra Samhita context to the sages, conveying an authoritative instruction within the Jyotirlinga-pilgrimage narrative)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga origin; it is an admonitory closure: without Śiva-dharma, ‘saṃśaya’ (existential insecurity) arises regarding life itself; the narrator urges decisive practice.
Significance: Practical takeaway for pilgrims: remove doubt through committed observance—Śiva-bhakti, dharma, and discipline—rather than wavering between dharma and adharma.
Role: liberating
FAQs
It teaches that hesitation and doubt weaken one’s spiritual resolve; in Shaiva understanding, firm adherence to true instruction (satya-vacana) stabilizes the seeker and prevents wavering in dharma and devotion to Shiva.
Within Jyotirlinga-oriented narration, it underscores that Linga-worship and pilgrimage bear fruit when performed with niścaya (certainty) rather than suspicion—Saguna Shiva’s grace is approached through steady faith and disciplined follow-through.
Complete the intended vow or observance without doubt—such as daily japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), Linga-abhiṣeka, and disciplined vrata—because inconsistency is portrayed as the root of inner uncertainty.