Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 37
तदलाभे यथालाभं धारणीयमदूषितम् । तत्रापि नोत्तरं नीचैर्धार्यं नीचमथोत्तरैः
tadalābhe yathālābhaṃ dhāraṇīyamadūṣitam | tatrāpi nottaraṃ nīcairdhāryaṃ nīcamathottaraiḥ
যদি সেই (উত্তম বিধি/বস্তু) না মেলে, তবে যা পাওয়া যায় তাই শুদ্ধ ও নির্দোষভাবে ধারণ কর। তবু নিম্ন অধিকারী উচ্চতর সাধনা গ্রহণ করবে না, আর উচ্চ অধিকারী নীচতরটি গ্রহণ করবে না।
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
FAQs
It teaches that Shaiva practice must preserve śuddhi (purity) while being realistic: when ideal means are unavailable, use a pure substitute, but never violate spiritual propriety by adopting disciplines beyond one’s adhikāra (qualification) or by lowering standards when capable of higher.
Linga worship emphasizes purity of substance and intention; this verse supports using pure, available offerings and observances for Saguna Shiva, while respecting graded disciplines (e.g., types of vrata, mantra-japa counts, or ritual strictness) according to eligibility.
Maintain an undisturbed, pure daily discipline—such as Panchakshara japa (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), clean Tripuṇḍra/bhasma application, and sattvic conduct—choosing a pure substitute when needed, and keeping vows aligned with one’s capacity and initiation.