Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 34
सत्याः पुनस्तपश्चर्या — Satī’s Return to Austerity (Tapas) and Fearless Liṅga-Worship
ब्रह्मोवाच । एतावता किमर्थेन तीव्रं देवि तपः कृतम् । स्वेच्छैव किमपर्याप्ता क्रीडेयं हि तवेदृशी
brahmovāca | etāvatā kimarthena tīvraṃ devi tapaḥ kṛtam | svecchaiva kimaparyāptā krīḍeyaṃ hi tavedṛśī
Brahmā sprach: „O Göttin, zu welchem Zweck hast du bis zu diesem Maß so strenge Askese geübt? Genügt dein eigener freier Wille nicht? Denn ein solches göttliches Spiel ziemt wahrlich einer wie dir.“
Brahma
Tattva Level: pashu
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse contrasts divine spontaneity (svecchā) with deliberate discipline (tapas), highlighting that austerity is not mere self-torment but a purposeful spiritual resolve that can serve a higher cosmic intention and the unfolding of grace.
By questioning the need for severe tapas, the text implicitly points to a key Shaiva theme: realization and divine union are supported by both devotion and disciplined practice—often expressed through Saguna worship such as Linga-upāsanā—rather than relying only on personal inclination.
The verse foregrounds tapas as focused spiritual practice; a practical takeaway is sustained japa (especially the Panchakshara, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with disciplined vows and contemplative restraint, undertaken with clear intent rather than as mere display.