Shloka 45

Adhyaya 89: शौचाचारलक्षणम् — सदाचार, भैक्ष्यचर्या, प्रायश्चित्त, द्रव्यशुद्धि, आशौच-निर्णय

Devanagari script

लङ्घने समयानां तु अभक्ष्यस्य च भक्षणे अवाच्यवाचने चैव सहस्राच्छुद्धिरुच्यते

Transliteration

laṅghane samayānāṃ tu abhakṣyasya ca bhakṣaṇe avācyavācane caiva sahasrācchuddhirucyate

Translation

But when one violates prescribed observances, eats what is forbidden, or utters what must not be spoken, purification is said to be attained by a thousandfold expiation—so that the bound soul (paśu) may be restored to fitness for Śiva’s worship and the path toward release under the Lord (Pati).

Word by Word

• लङ्घने: in the transgression/overstepping

• समयानाम्: of vows, conventions, prescribed observances

• तु: indeed/but

• अभक्ष्यस्य: of what is not to be eaten/forbidden food

• च: and

• भक्षणे: in eating/consuming

• अवाच्यवाचने: in speaking what should not be spoken (improper/unspeakable speech)

• चैव: and also

• सहस्रात्: by/through a thousand (i.e., thousandfold measure)

• शुद्धिः: purification

• उच्यते: is said/declared

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It states that violations of vows, forbidden diet, and improper speech require strong expiation to regain śuddhi (ritual-spiritual purity), which is essential to approach the Liṅga with adhikāra (eligibility) for effective Śiva-pūjā.

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

By implication, Śiva as Pati is the pure Lord who is approached through śuddhi; the paśu bound by pasha (faults created by conduct, food, and speech) must be cleansed to align with Śiva-tattva’s purity and liberating grace.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Prāyaścitta (expiatory discipline)—described as a “thousandfold” purification—highlighting the Pāśupata emphasis on restraint of conduct, diet, and speech as practical means to weaken bondage (pāśa) and restore worship-eligibility.