Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 25
भक्ताधिकारि-द्विजधर्म-योगिलक्षणवर्णनम् / Duties of Qualified Devotees and Marks of Yogins
तथैव वानप्रस्थानां गृहस्थानां च सुन्दरि । शूद्राणामथ नारीणां धर्म एष सनातनः
tathaiva vānaprasthānāṃ gṛhasthānāṃ ca sundari | śūdrāṇāmatha nārīṇāṃ dharma eṣa sanātanaḥ
„Ebenso, o Schöne, ist dies die ewige Dharma für jene im Stadium des Vānaprastha (Waldbewohner) und auch für die Haushälter; ebenso für Śūdras und für Frauen.“
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Shakti Form: Umā
Role: teaching
FAQs
It affirms the universality of Shaiva dharma: devotion and righteous discipline are not restricted to a single life-stage or social category, but are an eternal path available to all who turn toward Pati (Shiva).
By declaring an “eternal dharma” for varied groups, the verse supports inclusive eligibility for Saguna Shiva worship—such as Linga-puja, mantra-japa, and service—where devotion (bhakti) and purity of intent are central.
The takeaway is steady daily Shaiva practice appropriate to one’s station—such as Panchakshara japa (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and simple Linga worship with sincere devotion—performed consistently as one’s enduring dharma.