Shloka 20
यक्षेश्वरावतारः (Yakṣeśvara-Avatāra) and the Nīlakaṇṭha Paradigm in the Churning of the Ocean
यक्षेश्वर उवाच । किमर्थं संस्थिता यूयमत्र सर्वे सुरा मिथः । किमु काष्ठाखिलम्ब्रूत कारणं मेनुपृच्छते
yakṣeśvara uvāca | kimarthaṃ saṃsthitā yūyamatra sarve surā mithaḥ | kimu kāṣṭhākhilambrūta kāraṇaṃ menupṛcchate
یَکشیشور نے کہا: “تم سب دیوتا یہاں آپس میں اکٹھے کیوں کھڑے ہو؟ میں پوچھ رہا ہوں، پس بغیر چھپائے سچا سبب بتاؤ۔”
Yakṣēśvara (Lord of the Yakṣas, i.e., Kubera)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Sthala Purana: Yakṣeśvara interrogates the devas to draw out their concealed motive and expose pride; the questioning is the first step toward their correction and grace.
Significance: Models satya-vākya and openness before the Lord; encourages confession of motives and surrender, prerequisites for anugraha.
Mantra: kimarthaṃ saṃsthitā yūyamatra sarve surā mithaḥ | ... kāraṇaṃ me 'nupṛcchate
Role: teaching
FAQs
It highlights truthful inquiry (satya-prashna) before divine action—an essential Shaiva virtue where even gods must clearly state their intent when approaching matters connected to the Supreme Lord (Pati) and cosmic order.
The verse sets a narrative tone of seeking a definite cause and purpose—mirroring how devotees approach Saguna Shiva or the Linga with clear sankalpa (intention) and open confession of need, rather than hidden motives.
A practical takeaway is to begin Shiva worship with a clear sankalpa and honest self-inquiry—mentally stating one’s purpose before japa of “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” rather than performing ritual mechanically.