अन्धक-प्रश्नः — Inquiry into Andhaka
Genealogy and Nature
महेश उवाच । हे दैत्यनाथ कुरु नेन्द्रियसंघपातं किमर्थमेतद्व्रतमाश्रितं ते । प्रब्रूहि कामं वरदो भवोऽहं यदिच्छसि त्वं सकलं ददामि
maheśa uvāca | he daityanātha kuru nendriyasaṃghapātaṃ kimarthametadvratamāśritaṃ te | prabrūhi kāmaṃ varado bhavo'haṃ yadicchasi tvaṃ sakalaṃ dadāmi
摩诃伊湿伐罗说道:“噢,达伊提亚之主,莫要摧残你诸根之众。你依此誓戒所为何事?请道出你心中的所愿。我乃婆伐,赐愿者——你所欲求的一切,我都将圆满赐予。”
Lord Shiva (Mahesha/Bhava)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Type: stotra
Role: teaching
Shiva emphasizes that austerity and vows are not meant for self-harm; true discipline is purposeful and aligned with dharma. As Pati (the Lord), he tests the intention behind tapas and offers grace when the seeker’s aim is clearly expressed.
Shiva appears as Saguna Mahesha—personally speaking, guiding, and granting boons. This reflects how devotees approach the Linga as a living presence of Shiva: not merely for hardship, but for conscious surrender, right intention, and receiving Shiva’s anugraha (grace).
The verse implies disciplined vratam with balanced indriya-nigraha (sense-restraint) rather than extreme self-torment—supported by Shiva-bhakti practices like japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and mindful observance of vows.