Shloka 23

यतिप्रायश्चित्तविधानम्

Ascetic Atonements and Discipline

Devanagari script

सद्भिः सह विनिश्चित्य यद्ब्रूयुस्तत्समाचरेत्

Transliteration

sadbhiḥ saha viniścitya yadbrūyustatsamācaret

Translation

Having carefully ascertained the matter in the company of the virtuous, one should practice exactly what they enjoin. This is the path that, through dharmic discernment, loosens the pāśa (bondage) of the paśu (individual soul) and pleases Pati (Śiva).

Word by Word

• सद्भिः: with the good/virtuous

• सह: together/with

• विनिश्चित्य: having ascertained/decided with certainty

• यत्: what/that which

• ब्रूयुः: they may say/declare (the wise)

• तत्: that

• समाचरेत्: one should practice/undertake properly

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

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

It establishes that Linga-pūjā must be grounded in sadācāra—acting according to the counsel of the sādhus—so worship becomes a means of purification and not mere ritual performance.

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

Śiva as Pati is the inner witness and bestower of anugraha; aligning one’s conduct with the wise supports the soul’s movement from pasha-bound habit toward Śiva-oriented discernment.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Not a specific rite, but the prerequisite discipline for Pāśupata-oriented living: seeking satsanga, verifying dharma with the virtuous, and then practicing it consistently as daily sādhana.