Shloka 23

योगान्तरायाः, औपसर्गिकसिद्धयः, परवैराग्येन शैवप्रसादः

Devanagari script

संत्याज्यं सर्वथा सर्वम् औपसर्गिकमात्मनः पैशाचे पार्थिवं चाप्यं राक्षसानां पुरे द्विजाः

Transliteration

saṃtyājyaṃ sarvathā sarvam aupasargikamātmanaḥ paiśāce pārthivaṃ cāpyaṃ rākṣasānāṃ pure dvijāḥ

Translation

Therefore, O twice-born ones, one must utterly abandon every defiling influence that befalls the self—whether arising from contagion and obstructive forces (upasarga), from piśāca-like impurity, or from the grossly earthly taint found in the abodes of rākṣasas—so that the paśu (bound soul) may remain fit for Śiva’s worship and the path of Pāśupata discipline.

Word by Word

• saṃtyājyam: must be completely abandoned

• sarvathā: in every way/utterly

• sarvam: all

• aupasargikam: arising from upasarga (affliction/contagion/obstructive influence)

• ātmanaḥ: of oneself/of the embodied self

• paiśāce: connected with piśācas/ghoulish impurity

• pārthivam: earthly, gross, material taint

• ca api: and also

• rākṣasānām: of rākṣasas

• pure: in the city/abode

• dvijāḥ: O twice-born (brāhmaṇas and other initiated).

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating puranic injunctions to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Piśāca
• Rākṣasa

FAQs

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

It states that the worshipper must renounce all sources of impurity and obstructive influences, because fitness (adhikāra) and śauca protect the sanctity of Liṅga-pūjā and keep the pashu receptive to Śiva’s grace (anugraha).

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

By implication, Śiva as Pati is the supremely pure reality; approaching Him requires the pashu to withdraw from pasha-like defilements (grossness, fear, contamination, and tamasic influences) that cloud right knowledge and devotion.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It highlights śauca (purificatory discipline) and avoidance of tamasic/inauspicious environments—foundational observances supporting Pāśupata-oriented worship, japa, and steady pūjā without upasarga (obstruction).