Shloka 29
Jaṭilāvatāra-Parīkṣā: Pārvatyāḥ Tapasāṃ Parīkṣaṇam
The Jaṭilā Episode and the Testing of Pārvatī’s Austerity
जानामि दुर्लभं वस्तु कथम्प्राप्यं मया भवेत् । तथापि मनसौत्सुक्यात्तप्यते मे तपोऽधुना
jānāmi durlabhaṃ vastu kathamprāpyaṃ mayā bhavet | tathāpi manasautsukyāttapyate me tapo'dhunā
我知道此等成就极其稀有，心中自问我怎能获得它。然而因我心充满渴慕，我的苦行之火（tapas）至今仍在内里燃烧。
Suta Goswami (narrating the inner resolve of the seeker within the Shatarudrasaṃhitā episode)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Sthala Purana: No direct sthala; the verse articulates the sādhaka’s paradox: the goal is ‘durlabha’ due to āṇava/māyika concealment, yet tapas arises from longing.
Significance: Encourages perseverance: rarity of Śiva-attainment is due to bondage (pāśa) and concealment (tirodhāna), overcome by sustained sādhana and grace.
FAQs
The verse highlights a Shaiva Siddhanta mood of humility and intense mumukṣutva: liberation and Shiva-realization are rare, yet sincere longing (utsukya) naturally matures into tapas that purifies the pashu (bound soul) and turns it toward Pati (Shiva).
Longing that ‘burns as tapas’ is directed devotionally toward Saguna Shiva—often expressed through Linga-worship—until grace ripens. The verse frames practice as persistent inner drive, not mere external ritual, preparing the devotee for Shiva’s anugraha (grace).
It implies sustained tapas supported by japa and dhyāna—especially Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with disciplined conduct; optionally accompanied by Shaiva markers like bhasma (tripuṇḍra) and rudrākṣa as aids to steadiness and remembrance.