Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 51
मन्दरगिरिवर्णनम् — Description of Mount Mandara as Śiva’s Residence
Tapas-abode
सद्भिर्विगर्हितं तस्मात्तव कार्ष्ण्यमसंमतम् । अनुत्सृज्य तपोयोगात्स्थातुमेवेह नोत्सहे
sadbhirvigarhitaṃ tasmāttava kārṣṇyamasaṃmatam | anutsṛjya tapoyogātsthātumeveha notsahe
Darum wird deine Härte von den Tugendhaften getadelt und nicht gebilligt. Ohne diese Vereinigung von Askese und Yoga aufzugeben, habe ich nicht den Mut, hier länger zu bleiben.
An ascetic devotee (tapasvin) addressing another authority figure in the narrative (as relayed by Suta Goswami in the Vayu Samhita discourse)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It teaches that genuine spirituality is measured by alignment with dharma and the approval of the wise; harshness that violates righteous conduct obstructs the yogic-tapas path aimed at purification and liberation under Shiva’s grace.
In Shaiva Siddhanta, Saguna Shiva (as the compassionate Lord) is approached through disciplined tapas-yoga and ethical restraint; behavior condemned by the virtuous is seen as incompatible with true Shiva-bhakti and the inner worship of the Linga in the heart.
The verse emphasizes steadfast tapas-yoga—regular meditation, self-restraint, and continuity in sadhana; as a practical Shaiva takeaway, maintain daily japa (e.g., Panchakshara: Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with disciplined conduct rather than harshness.