Shloka 103
Praṇava-Māhātmya and the Twofold Mantra (Sūkṣma–Sthūla) in Śaiva Sādhanā
पुनश्च शतलक्षेण ब्रह्मणः पदमाप्नुयात् । पुनश्च शतलक्षेण विष्णोः पदमवाप्नुयात्
punaśca śatalakṣeṇa brahmaṇaḥ padamāpnuyāt | punaśca śatalakṣeṇa viṣṇoḥ padamavāpnuyāt
Und wiederum: durch dieselbe Übung, hunderttausend (Mal) vollzogen, erlangt man den Stand Brahmās; und wiederum: durch hunderttausend (Mal) erlangt man den Stand Viṣṇus.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Type: panchakshara
FAQs
It presents a graded view of spiritual attainments: sustained sādhana yields exalted divine stations (Brahmā’s and Viṣṇu’s), implying that disciplined practice can elevate the soul step-by-step toward higher realization, ultimately oriented toward Śiva as the supreme goal in Shaiva Siddhānta.
In the Vidyeśvara/Viśveśvara context, such “counts” commonly indicate japa and worship performed with devotion to Saguna Śiva (often through Liṅga-pūjā and mantra). The verse underscores that even when results resemble Brahmā- or Viṣṇu-level attainments, the sādhana is grounded in Śaiva discipline that culminates beyond intermediary cosmic offices.
A quantified japa-based practice is implied—repetition measured in large counts (e.g., 100,000), typically done with mantra (such as the Pañcākṣarī), supported by Śaiva observances like purity, concentration, and regular worship.