Shloka 63
Niṣādasya Bhillasya Itihāsaḥ — Śivarātri-vrata-prabhāvaḥ
The Hunter’s Account and the Efficacy of the Śivarātri Observance
यस्य वाणी व्यलीका हि तत्पुण्यं गलितं क्षणात् । तथापि शृणु वै सत्यां प्रतिज्ञां मम भिल्लक
yasya vāṇī vyalīkā hi tatpuṇyaṃ galitaṃ kṣaṇāt | tathāpi śṛṇu vai satyāṃ pratijñāṃ mama bhillaka
جس کی زبان جھوٹی ہو، اس کا پُنّیہ ایک لمحے میں پگھل جاتا ہے۔ پھر بھی، اے بھِلّک، میری سچی پرتِگیا سنو۔
Lord Shiva (inferred narrator-speech within Kotirudrasaṃhitā dialogue context)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Significance: Warns that deceit destroys puṇya instantly; pilgrimage and ritual are rendered fruitless without satya—ethical purity is framed as the real ‘kṣetra’ for Śiva’s favor.
Type: stotra
FAQs
It teaches that satya (truthfulness) is a core purifier in Shaiva dharma: false speech immediately erodes accumulated puṇya, while a truthful vow aligns the devotee with Shiva’s sustaining order (dharma).
Linga-worship is not only external ritual; it rests on inner integrity. Approaching Saguna Shiva with deceit weakens the spiritual fruit of worship, whereas a sincere, truthful pratijñā strengthens devotion and receptivity to Shiva’s grace.
A practical takeaway is to take a satya-pratijñā (truth-vow) before puja or pilgrimage—then worship with steady japa (e.g., Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and conduct that matches one’s spoken words.