Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 17
सत्याः पुनस्तपश्चर्या — Satī’s Return to Austerity (Tapas) and Fearless Liṅga-Worship
दुष्टानामपि सत्त्वानां तथान्येषान्दुरात्मनाम् । स एव द्रावको भूत्वा विचचार तपोवने
duṣṭānāmapi sattvānāṃ tathānyeṣāndurātmanām | sa eva drāvako bhūtvā vicacāra tapovane
Selbst unter bösen Wesen und ebenso unter anderen mit verderbtem Sinn wurde er selbst zu dem, der sie vertreibt, und er wanderte im Wald der Askese umher.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It portrays the Shaiva idea that Shiva (Pati) is the dispeller of inner impurities—he drives away wickedness and bondage (pāśa) even in those of harsh nature, especially in the atmosphere of tapas where transformation becomes possible.
By describing Shiva as an active remover of negativity, it aligns with Saguna Shiva worship—devotees approach the Linga as the compassionate, present Lord who purifies the mind and dissolves obstacles to devotion and knowledge.
The verse points toward tapas and self-discipline supported by Shiva-upāsanā—regular japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and meditative retreat-like practice to drive away inner vices.