Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 25
सत्याः पुनस्तपश्चर्या — Satī’s Return to Austerity (Tapas) and Fearless Liṅga-Worship
तां च प्रत्युपचारोक्तिं पुरस्कृत्याभिनंद्य च । पप्रच्छ तपसो हेतुमजानन्निव पद्मजः
tāṃ ca pratyupacāroktiṃ puraskṛtyābhinaṃdya ca | papraccha tapaso hetumajānanniva padmajaḥ
তাঁর স্বাগত-উপচারের বাক্যকে সম্মান করে ও প্রশংসা করে পদ্মজ (ব্রহ্মা) তপস্যার কারণ জিজ্ঞাসা করলেন, যেন তিনি তা জানেনই না।
Suta Goswami (narrating the episode; the action described is by Brahma)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shakti Form: Umā
Role: teaching
FAQs
It highlights the humility of divine inquiry: even Brahmā asks the motive of tapas, emphasizing that austerity is meaningful only when its inner intention is clarified—ultimately directed toward Shiva-realization and liberation from pāśa (bondage).
The verse frames tapas as purposeful devotion rather than mere self-mortification; in Shaiva practice, such disciplined intent culminates in Saguna Shiva worship—often through Linga-upāsanā—leading the seeker toward the grace of Pati (Shiva).
The takeaway is intentional tapas: disciplined japa (especially the Panchakshara, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), steady meditation on Shiva, and regulated conduct—rather than austerity done for display or worldly gain.