Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 14
Viśveśvara-māhātmya and the Nirguṇa–Saguṇa Emergence of Śiva (Śakti–Puruṣa/Prakṛti Discourse)
ततश्च पतितः कर्णान्मणिश्च पुरतः प्रभो । तद्बभूव महत्तीर्थं नामतो मणिकर्णिका
tataśca patitaḥ karṇānmaṇiśca purataḥ prabho | tadbabhūva mahattīrthaṃ nāmato maṇikarṇikā
Rồi, ôi Chúa Tể, viên ngọc rơi từ tai (của Śiva) ngay trước mọi người. Từ sự kiện ấy phát sinh một thánh địa lớn, nổi danh với tên Maṇikarṇikā.
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Jyotirlinga: Viśvanātha
Sthala Purana: Maṇikarṇikā is etiologized: a jewel (maṇi) falling from Śiva’s ear (karṇa) becomes the causal sign for the tīrtha’s name and sanctity, anchoring Kāśī’s cremation-ghāṭ and liberation theology in a mythic event.
Significance: Bathing/rites at Maṇikarṇikā are celebrated as exceptionally purifying; the tīrtha is tied to mokṣa-aspiration in Kāśī and to Śiva’s special grace over the kṣetra.
FAQs
It explains the nāma-janma (name-origin) of Maṇikarṇikā: a sacred tīrtha is sanctified through Śiva’s līlā, showing that places connected to Śiva become powerful supports for purification and liberation-oriented devotion.
Kotirudra narratives link Śiva’s tangible līlās with pilgrimage practice; honoring Maṇikarṇikā alongside Kashi’s Śaiva worship supports Saguna-bhakti that culminates in grace (anugraha) and steadiness in Śiva-dhyāna.
Perform tīrtha-smaraṇa and japa—especially the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—with a pure intent while visiting or mentally venerating Maṇikarṇikā, offering water and prayers to Śiva with devotion.