Shloka 45
अविमुक्तक्षेत्रमाहात्म्य
The Greatness of Avimukta–Vārāṇasī and Viśveśvara
प्रारब्धकर्मणो भोगात्क्षयश्चैव चान्यथा । उपायेन द्वयोर्नाशः कर्मणोः पूजनादिना
prārabdhakarmaṇo bhogātkṣayaścaiva cānyathā | upāyena dvayornāśaḥ karmaṇoḥ pūjanādinā
Prārabdha karma is exhausted only by being experienced as its fruit (bhoga), and not otherwise. Yet, by a sacred means, both kinds of karma can be destroyed—through worship of Śiva and allied observances filled with devotion.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Significance: Frames Śiva-pūjā (and allied bhakti-observances) as an upāya that can burn down karmic bondage beyond ordinary bhoga, preparing the soul for Śiva’s grace.
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It distinguishes prārabdha (karma already set in motion) from other karmas and teaches that while prārabdha typically ends through lived experience, Śiva-bhakti expressed through worship is upheld as a powerful upāya that burns karmic bonds and supports liberation.
“Pūjanādinā” points to concrete Saguna worship—especially Liṅga-pūjā and devotional observances—through which the devotee approaches Pati (Śiva) and loosens pāśa (bondage), aligning with Shaiva Siddhānta’s emphasis on divine grace mediated through worship.
Regular Śiva-pūjā (especially Liṅga worship) along with allied practices—japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), vrata/fasting such as Mahāśivarātri observance, and devotion-centered discipline—are implied as karmic-purifying upāyas.