Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 42
पशु-पाश-पतिविचारः / Inquiry into Paśu, Pāśa, and Pati
द्वे अक्षरे ब्रह्मपरे त्वनंते समुदाहृते । विद्याविद्ये समाख्याते निहिते यत्र गूढवत्
dve akṣare brahmapare tvanaṃte samudāhṛte | vidyāvidye samākhyāte nihite yatra gūḍhavat
Dort werden zwei Silben als das höchste Brahman verkündet—endlos, ohne Grenze. In ihnen werden sowohl Vidyā (Erkenntnis) als auch Avidyā (Nicht‑Erkenntnis) benannt, im Innern verborgen wie an einem geheimen Ort.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Tatpuruṣa
FAQs
It teaches that the supreme, infinite Reality can be indicated through mantra-syllables, within which both liberating knowledge (vidyā) and binding ignorance (avidyā) are mysteriously present—signaling that the same spiritual power can free or bind depending on understanding and grace.
In Shaiva practice, the Linga and mantra are concrete supports for approaching the limitless (ananta) Brahman as Shiva. The verse implies that the Infinite is accessible through sacred sound and symbol, yet remains subtle and ‘hidden’ without right insight and devotion.
Contemplative japa of a Shaiva mantra with correct meaning—paired with inner inquiry into vidyā versus avidyā—is suggested; in temple or home worship this is commonly supported by Linga-pūjā with bhakti and steady meditation.