Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 17
तारकवाक्य-शक्रविष्णुवीरभद्रयुद्धवर्णनम् — Account of Tāraka’s declarations and the battle involving Śakra (Indra), Viṣṇu, and Vīrabhadra
पुरैताभ्यां कृतं कर्म विरुद्धं वेदमार्गतः । तच्छृणुध्वं मया प्रोक्तं वर्णयामि विशेषतः
puraitābhyāṃ kṛtaṃ karma viruddhaṃ vedamārgataḥ | tacchṛṇudhvaṃ mayā proktaṃ varṇayāmi viśeṣataḥ
فيما مضى كان الفعل الذي أقدم عليه ذانك الاثنان مخالفًا لطريق الفيدا. فاسمعوا ما أنطق به—فإني الآن سأصفه لكم وصفًا مفصّلًا على وجه الخصوص.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
FAQs
It highlights that spiritual progress in Shaiva dharma depends on aligning one’s actions with śāstra and the Vedic path; deeds opposed to dharma become obstacles (pāśa) rather than aids to grace (anugraha).
Linga-worship is presented in the Purana as śāstric and purifying; this verse sets a contrast—ritual or conduct that violates the Vedic framework lacks the sanctifying orientation needed for proper Saguna Shiva worship.
The practical takeaway is śāstra-anusaraṇa—performing Shiva worship and vows in a Vedic, disciplined manner (e.g., mantra-japa like the Panchakshara with purity and right conduct), avoiding adharmic or unprescribed acts.