Shloka 57
Niṣādasya Bhillasya Itihāsaḥ — Śivarātri-vrata-prabhāvaḥ
The Hunter’s Account and the Efficacy of the Śivarātri Observance
यो वै सामर्थ्ययुक्तश्च नोपकारं करोति वै । तत्सामर्थ्यं भवेद्व्यर्थं परत्र नरकं व्रजेत्
yo vai sāmarthyayuktaśca nopakāraṃ karoti vai | tatsāmarthyaṃ bhavedvyarthaṃ paratra narakaṃ vrajet
Wer zwar mit Fähigkeit und Kraft begabt ist, aber keine Hilfe leistet, dessen Fähigkeit wird fruchtlos; und im Jenseits geht ein solcher in die Hölle.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva Purana teachings to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Significance: Frames dharma as a prerequisite for Śiva’s anugraha: capability (śakti/adhikāra) must flow into upakāra (beneficence), otherwise it becomes pāśa (bondage) leading to naraka; encourages dāna-sevā as preparatory purification for Śiva-bhakti.
FAQs
It teaches that Shiva-centered dharma is not merely ritual but compassionate action: capacity (wealth, strength, knowledge) must be used for upakāra (benefit of others), otherwise it becomes spiritually barren and yields painful karmic results.
Linga-worship to Saguna Shiva is meant to purify the heart; this verse clarifies that devotion must express itself as dharmic conduct—service and protection of beings—otherwise external worship lacks the inner transformation Shiva grants.
Practice daily seva and dāna alongside japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya); on Shiva days (especially Mahāśivarātri), add charity/feeding and prayerful resolve to use one’s abilities for upakāra.