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
Yakṣeśvara nói: “Vì cớ gì tất cả các chư thiên các ngươi lại tụ hội nơi đây? Hãy nói cho ta biết nguyên do chân thật, chớ che giấu, vì ta đang hỏi.”
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.