Shloka 148

उमामहेश्वरव्रतं—पञ्चाक्षरमन्त्रस्य माहात्म्यं, न्यासः, जपविधिः, सदाचारः, विनियोगः

Devanagari script

एको न गच्छेदध्वानं बाहुभ्यां नोत्तरेन्नदीम् नावरोहेत कूपादिं नारोहेदुच्चपादपान्

Transliteration

eko na gacchedadhvānaṃ bāhubhyāṃ nottarennadīm nāvaroheta kūpādiṃ nāroheduccapādapān

Translation

One should not travel a road alone; one should not attempt to cross a river by one’s arms alone; one should not climb down into wells and the like; and one should not climb lofty trees. Thus the bound soul (paśu) should avoid reckless acts that strengthen bondage (pāśa) and instead preserve the body as an instrument for Śiva’s worship and the pursuit of liberation under the Lord (Pati).

Word by Word

• ekaḥ: alone

• na: not

• gacchet: should go/travel

• adhvānam: a journey/road

• bāhubhyām: with (one’s) arms

• na: not

• uttaret: should cross

• nadīm: a river

• na: not

• avaroheta: should descend/climb down

• kūpa-ādīm: a well and similar places

• na: not

• ārohet: should climb

• ucca-pāda-pān: high trees (lit. tall-footed, i.e., lofty)

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating dharma-instructions within the Linga Purana discourse) to the sages of Naimisharanya

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It teaches practical restraint: preserving the body and avoiding needless danger supports steady nitya-puja, vrata, and pilgrimage to Shiva-lingas—making the devotee fit for disciplined worship.

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

Indirectly, it frames Shiva as Pati (the Lord) and the aspirant as paśu: the devotee should reduce pāśa (bondage) by wise conduct, so the mind can remain oriented to Shiva-tattva rather than fear, injury, or instability.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It highlights niyama-like discipline (self-regulation) foundational to Pashupata-oriented sadhana: minimizing risk, maintaining bodily integrity, and cultivating steadiness for japa, dhyana, and Shiva-puja.