Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 30
अनुग्रह-स्वातन्त्र्य-प्रमाणविचारः | Inquiry into Pramāṇa, Divine Autonomy, and Grace
साधु संरक्षणीयं चेद्विनिवर्त्यमसाधु यत् । निवर्तते च सामादेरंते दण्डो हि साधनम्
sādhu saṃrakṣaṇīyaṃ cedvinivartyamasādhu yat | nivartate ca sāmāderaṃte daṇḍo hi sādhanam
Wenn die Rechtschaffenen geschützt werden sollen, dann muss alles Unrechtsame gezügelt werden. Kehrt es durch Beschwichtigung und ähnliche Mittel nicht um, so ist die Strafe zuletzt wahrlich das wirksame Mittel.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Bhairava
Shakti Form: Durgā
Role: destructive
FAQs
It teaches that preserving dharma is a sacred duty: first attempt gentle correction, but when adharma persists, firm discipline becomes a necessary instrument to protect the righteous and uphold cosmic order under Shiva’s governance.
Saguna Shiva as the Lord of dharma sustains the world through grace and governance—He protects devotees (sādhus) and restrains harmful forces; this verse reflects that protective, order-establishing aspect of Shiva’s lordship.
It implies inner discipline: begin with sāma—steadying the mind through japa of “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—and if harmful impulses persist, apply daṇḍa as firm self-restraint (niyama), supported by regular worship and repentance.