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
Selbst wenn sie dem Gatten nicht lieb ist, gilt die Frau, die ihn nicht verlässt — und sei es um den Preis des eigenen Lebens — den Tugendhaften als edle und glückverheißende Gattin; doch die Niedrigen begegnen ihr mit Verachtung.
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.