Shloka 16
Gautama–Ahalyā-Upākhyāna: Durbhikṣa, Tapas, and Varuṇa’s Boon (गौतमाहल्योपाख्यानम्)
इत्युक्ते च कृतस्तेन गर्त्तो हस्तप्रमाणतः । जलेन पूरितस्तेन दिव्येन वरुणेन सः
ityukte ca kṛtastena gartto hastapramāṇataḥ | jalena pūritastena divyena varuṇena saḥ
话既说定，他便掘了一坑，约一肘之量；随后以伐楼那所加持的神圣之水将其注满。
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Sthala Purana: The prescribed pit (hand-measure) is excavated and filled with ‘divine’ water by Varuṇa—marking the stabilization (sthiti) of a sacred resource that can serve ongoing ritual/pilgrimage needs.
Significance: Establishes a repeatable locus for purification and worship-support (water for abhiṣeka/snānā), turning a momentary boon into enduring sacred infrastructure.
Role: nurturing
FAQs
The verse highlights ritual purity and sacred preparation: consecrated water (linked with Varuṇa) becomes a supportive means for approaching Shiva’s worship with discipline and sanctity, aligning outer action with inner reverence.
In Jyotirlinga-centered narratives of the Koṭirudrasaṃhitā, preparing a sanctified space and water is part of Saguna Shiva worship—honoring Shiva through tangible rites (abhisheka and purification) that steady devotion and focus.
It suggests preparing a clean worship-spot and using sanctified water for Shiva-abhiṣeka or purification before japa; mentally, one can pair it with Panchakshara remembrance—"Om Namaḥ Śivāya"—while performing the cleansing act.