Shloka 46
प्रणवार्थपद्धतिवर्णनम्
Methodical Explanation of the Meaning of Praṇava/Om
स नारकी मम द्रोही भविष्यति न संशयः । मद्भक्तदानाद्देवेशि मत्प्रियश्च भवेद्ध्रुवम् । इह भुक्त्वाखिलान्भोगान्मत्सान्निध्यमवाप्नुयात्
sa nārakī mama drohī bhaviṣyati na saṃśayaḥ | madbhaktadānāddeveśi matpriyaśca bhaveddhruvam | iha bhuktvākhilānbhogānmatsānnidhyamavāpnuyāt
Without doubt, the one who betrays me becomes hell-bound. But, O Goddess of the gods, by giving and rendering support to my devotee, one certainly becomes dear to me; having enjoyed all blessings here, such a person finally attains my very presence.
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
Offering: naivedya
FAQs
It contrasts aparādha (betrayal of Shiva) that leads to naraka with bhakta-sevā (supporting Shiva’s devotees) that draws Shiva’s grace, culminating in sānnidhya—nearness to the Lord, a hallmark of liberation in Shaiva thought.
In Saguna worship, devotion is proven not only by offerings to the Liṅga but also by reverence toward Shiva’s living presence in His devotees; honoring bhaktas is treated as honoring Shiva Himself.
Practice bhakta-sevā as a vrata: offer food, charity, protection, or assistance to Shiva devotees—especially on Shiva days (e.g., Mahāśivarātri)—while maintaining japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and avoiding offenses.