Shloka 23
Paramātma-Svarūpa-Nirṇaya: Strī–Puṃ–Napuṃsaka-Vicāra
Inquiry into the Supreme Self and Gendered Forms
षट्कोशरूपः पिण्डो हि तत्र चाद्यत्रयम्भवेत् । मात्रंशजं पुनश्चान्यत्पित्रंशजमिति श्रुतिः
ṣaṭkośarūpaḥ piṇḍo hi tatra cādyatrayambhavet | mātraṃśajaṃ punaścānyatpitraṃśajamiti śrutiḥ
Indeed, the embodied being (piṇḍa) is of the nature of six sheaths (kośas); and among these, the first three arise therefrom. The remaining are heard in the śruti to be derived—some from the mother’s portion and others from the father’s portion.
Lord Shiva (teaching in the Kailasha Samhita discourse)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
FAQs
It frames the human person as a layered embodiment (six kośas), reminding the seeker that the Self is not identical with these coverings; liberation in Shaiva Siddhanta comes by Shiva’s grace and right knowledge that transcends the sheaths and bondage (pāśa).
By analyzing embodiment as a composite and conditioned structure, the verse turns the mind away from body-identification toward devotion to Saguna Shiva (Linga as the accessible support) who reveals the Pati (Lord) beyond all kośas.
A practical takeaway is kośa-viveka (discernment of sheaths) combined with japa of the Panchakshara—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—to steady awareness beyond bodily and mental layers, supported by Shaiva disciplines like bhasma (tripuṇḍra) and rudrākṣa where prescribed.