Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 49
मन्दरगिरिवर्णनम् — Description of Mount Mandara as Śiva’s Residence
Tapas-abode
प्राणानप्यप्रिया भर्तुर्नारी या न परित्यजेत् । कुलांगना शुभा सद्भिः कुत्सितैव हि गम्यते
prāṇānapyapriyā bharturnārī yā na parityajet | kulāṃganā śubhā sadbhiḥ kutsitaiva hi gamyate
وإن لم تكن محبوبةً لدى زوجها، فالمرأة التي لا تهجر زوجها—even لو كان ذلك على حساب حياتها—يعدّها أهل الفضيلة زوجةً كريمةً مباركة؛ أمّا الأراذل فيعاملونها بالازدراء.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse highlights steadfastness (dhairya) and dharmic commitment as inner disciplines that refine the pashu (individual soul). In a Shaiva Siddhanta lens, such virtues weaken pasha (bondage of ego, anger, and instability), making the mind fit for Shiva-bhakti and liberating knowledge.
Linga-worship in the Shiva Purana is not merely external; it is supported by inner purity and right conduct. Steadfast dharma in relationships is presented as a form of self-offering that stabilizes the heart, enabling sincere Saguna Shiva devotion and deeper contemplation of Shiva as Pati (the Lord).
A practical takeaway is to pair household duties with daily Shiva-smarana: recite the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” with a vow of self-restraint and truthfulness. On Mahashivratri, one may strengthen this resolve with simple vrata, japa, and offering of water to the Linga.