Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 1
ओंकार-परमेश-लिङ्गकथा — The Narrative of the Oṃkāra Parameśa Liṅga
Gokarṇa–Vindhya Episode
ऋषय ऊचुः । त्वया सूत महाभाग श्राविता ह्यद्भुता कथा । महाकालाख्यलिंगस्य निजभक्तसुरक्षिकः
ṛṣaya ūcuḥ | tvayā sūta mahābhāga śrāvitā hyadbhutā kathā | mahākālākhyaliṃgasya nijabhaktasurakṣikaḥ
Các hiền triết thưa: “Hỡi Sūta, bậc hữu phúc, ngài quả đã khiến chúng tôi được nghe một chuyện kỳ diệu—rằng Liṅga mang danh Mahākāla là đấng bảo hộ kiên cố cho chính các tín đồ của Ngài.”
The sages of Naimiṣāraṇya (ṛṣis) addressing Sūta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahākāla
Jyotirlinga: Mahākāleśvara
Sthala Purana: The sages acknowledge the ‘adbhutā kathā’ just heard: Mahākāla-liṅga is characterized as nijabhakta-surakṣika—protector of his own, highlighting the grace-function that releases the bound soul from fear and harm.
Significance: Affirms the devotional fruit of hearing: confidence in Śiva’s rakṣaṇa (protection) and deepened śaraṇāgati (surrender), central to Siddhānta’s path of bhakti leading to anugraha.
FAQs
This verse highlights a key Shaiva teaching: Shiva, especially as the Mahākāla Liṅga, actively protects those who take refuge in Him with devotion (bhakti), showing the Lord’s grace (anugraha) toward His devotees.
By praising the “Mahākāla Liṅga” as a protector, the verse affirms Saguna worship through the Liṅga-form—Shiva made accessible for devotion, pilgrimage, and surrender, while still pointing to His transcendent lordship.
The practical takeaway is bhakti-centered Liṅga worship—remembering Mahākāla, offering water and bilva, and japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” with the attitude of seeking Shiva’s protection and grace.