Shloka 15
अविमुक्तक्षेत्रमाहात्म्य
The Greatness of Avimukta–Vārāṇasī and Viśveśvara
अशुचिश्च शुचिर्वापि कन्या परिणता तथा । विधवा वाथ वा वंध्या रजोदोषयुतापि वा
aśuciśca śucirvāpi kanyā pariṇatā tathā | vidhavā vātha vā vaṃdhyā rajodoṣayutāpi vā
Whether she is ritually impure or pure—whether a maiden or a married woman; whether a widow or even barren; even if she is affected by menstrual impurity—she is not to be excluded, for devotion (bhakti) to Śiva is not denied on these grounds.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Jyotirlinga: Viśvanātha
Sthala Purana: Within the Avimukta/Kāśī glorification, eligibility is broadened: women in varied social/ritual conditions are not excluded from Śiva’s salvific sphere; purity restrictions are subordinated to Śiva’s grace.
Significance: Affirms inclusivity of access to Śiva-bhakti and kṣetra-grace beyond conventional purity/impurity barriers, strengthening the kṣetra’s universal refuge character.
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It teaches that Shiva-bhakti is not barred by bodily or social conditions; devotion to Pati (Shiva) is accessible even when conventional notions of purity/impurity would exclude someone.
Linga-worship emphasizes Shiva’s universal grace in a tangible form; this verse supports the idea that sincere approach to Saguna Shiva through the Linga is not restricted by categories like widowhood, infertility, or temporary ritual impurity.
The takeaway is steadfast bhakti—mentally repeating Shiva’s name (especially the Panchakshara, Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and offering reverence to the Linga with sincerity, rather than obsessing over exclusion based on status.