Shloka 37
Lord Śiva Instructs the Pracetās (Śiva-stuti and the Path of Bhakti)
स्वर्गापवर्गद्वाराय नित्यं शुचिषदे नम: । नमो हिरण्यवीर्याय चातुर्होत्राय तन्तवे ॥ ३७ ॥
svargāpavarga-dvārāya nityaṁ śuci-ṣade namaḥ namo hiraṇya-vīryāya cātur-hotrāya tantave
Obeisances to the Lord who opens the doors to the heavenly realms and to liberation (apavarga), who eternally dwells within the pure heart. Obeisances to Him whose potency is like gold (hiraṇya-vīrya), who, as sacred fire, sustains the Vedic sacrifices beginning with the cātur-hotra.
The word svarga indicates a position in the higher or heavenly planetary systems, and the word apavarga means “liberation.” Those who are attached to the karma-kāṇḍīya activities described in the Vedas are actually entangled in the three modes of material nature. The Bhagavad-gītā therefore says that one should be above the dominion of fruitive activities. There are different kinds of liberation, or mukti. The best mukti is engagement in the devotional service of the Supreme Lord. Not only does Lord Aniruddha help fruitive actors by elevating them to the higher planetary systems, but He also helps the devotee engage in devotional service by dint of His inexhaustible energy. Just as heat is the source of material energy, the inspiration of Lord Aniruddha is the energy by which one can engage in executing devotional service.
FAQs
It praises the Lord as the one who can grant both elevated enjoyment (svarga) and the ultimate goal beyond it—liberation (apavarga); He alone is the true entrance to either destination.
The Pracetās approach Śiva for blessings and guidance; Śiva, being the greatest Vaiṣṇava, directs their devotion toward the Supreme while accepting their reverent prayers.
It teaches to seek the highest aim (liberation and pure devotion) rather than only temporary gains, and to honor sacred discipline—making one’s daily work a sincere offering supported by purity and remembrance of God.