Shloka 92
प्रणवार्थ-शिवतत्त्व-निर्णयः
The Determination of Śiva as the Meaning of Praṇava
अथातो धर्मजिज्ञासेत्युच्चार्य पुनरंजसा । अथातो ब्रह्मजिज्ञासा वेदादीनपि संजपेत्
athāto dharmajijñāsetyuccārya punaraṃjasā | athāto brahmajijñāsā vedādīnapi saṃjapet
Then, clearly pronouncing the aphorism, “Now, therefore, one should inquire into Dharma,” he should again, without delay, recite: “Now, therefore, the inquiry into Brahman”—and likewise repeat the Vedas and the other sacred texts.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Īśāna
Mantra: athāto dharmajijñāsā | athāto brahmajijñāsā
Role: teaching
FAQs
It frames spiritual life as a disciplined ascent: first clarify Dharma (right conduct and sacred duty), then turn that purified mind toward Brahman-inquiry—understood in Shaiva Siddhanta as realization of Pati (Shiva) as the supreme Reality—supported by steady recitation and study of revealed scripture.
Dharma and Brahman-inquiry mature devotion from outer observance to inner realization. In Shaiva practice, Linga worship (Saguna upasana) is sustained by scriptural recitation and ethical discipline, which gradually leads the seeker toward knowledge of Shiva as the transcendent Lord (Pati) beyond mere ritualism.
Regular, clear recitation (japa-like repetition) of foundational scriptural statements and Vedic passages—done with steadiness and purity—serves as a daily sadhana that complements Shiva worship, mantra practice, and contemplative inquiry.