As the devatas stood trembling before Shivji, their hearts heavy with the chaos unfolding across the cosmos, they sought his guidance. The heavens shook with the clash of Brahma and Vishnu, whose divine weapons-the Pashupatastra and Maheshwarastra-blazed with fury.

Shivji, his smile gentle and full of compassion, asked, “O children of

the cosmos, are you abiding by the eternal dharma? Is the universe in harmony under your care?” His voice, like a celestial melody, dispelled their fear, and his presence brought peace to their minds.

Rising from Kailash, Shivji ascended a chariot adorned with sacred symbols, glowing with divine light. Beside him sat Ma Uma, her grace deepening the sanctity of the moment. Indra and the devatas followed in reverence, their voices raised in hymns.

At the scene of battle, Shivji beheld the devastating duel. Brahma and Vishnu’s weapons clashed with such force that the three worlds trembled on the edge of annihilation. At Shivji’s silent command, the devatas’ music ceased-for what followed was a moment of revelation.

To quell the storm, Shivji transformed into a pillar of fire-a Jyotirlinga-radiant and infinite, stretching beyond heaven and earth. This light, neither born nor bound, stood as the formless divine, halting the weapons mid-air.

Awestruck, Brahma and Vishnu paused their battle. Eager to prove supremacy, they set out to find the limits of the flame.

Vishnu as the Boar: He took the form of a mighty boar and burrowed deep into the netherworld in search of the pillar’s base. Ages passed, but the foundation remained hidden.

Brahma as the Swan: Taking the form of a swan, he soared high into the skies in search of the summit. But no matter how far he flew, the top was beyond reach.

Exhausted, Vishnu returned in humility, acknowledging the boundless nature of the pillar. But Brahma, clouded by pride, devised a plan to preserve his stature. As he ascended, he encountered a Ketaki flower drifting down from the pillar. Persuading it to lie, he returned claiming he had seen the summit.

When they reconvened, Brahma boldly announced his success, and the Ketaki flower bore false witness. Vishnu, ever sincere, bowed quietly in acceptance.

At that moment, the pillar split open. Shivji emerged from the blazing flame, his radiance illuminating the cosmos. The devatas prostrated with awe and reverence.

Vishnu fell at his feet, seeking forgiveness for any ignorance born of pride. Brahma stood silent, unable to meet Shivji’s gaze.

With a voice that resonated through all realms, Shivji declared:
“O preserver, your humility upholds dharma. You shall be worshipped as my equal, honoured in every sacred place.
O creator, for choosing pride over truth, your worship shall be rare. And you, Ketaki flower-for bearing false witness, you shall no longer be offered in my worship.”

In that sacred moment, Shivji established the worship of the Shivling-the symbol of the infinite divine, whose light has no beginning and no end. This cosmic leela taught all beings that greatness does not come from claiming power, but from walking in truth and humility.

The Jyotirlinga remains a luminous reminder of Shivji’s essence-guiding seekers beyond ego, beyond illusion, to the heart of divine consciousness.