Shloka 35
Gaṅgā-Avataraṇa and the Naming of Gaṅgādvāra (गङ्गावतरणम्—गङ्गाद्वारप्रसिद्धिः)
गौतम उवाच । यूयं सर्वे दुरात्मानो दुःखदा मे विशेषतः । शिवभक्तस्य सततं स्युर्वेदविमुखास्सदा
gautama uvāca | yūyaṃ sarve durātmāno duḥkhadā me viśeṣataḥ | śivabhaktasya satataṃ syurvedavimukhāssadā
Gautama said: “All of you are of wicked disposition, and you cause me suffering—especially so. For a devotee of Śiva, you remain forever turned away from the Veda, at all times.”
Gautama
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
FAQs
The verse frames a key Shaiva ethical teaching: true Shiva-bhakti is protective and purifying, while those who are hostile to a Shiva devotee are portrayed as inwardly misaligned with dharma (Vedic right conduct), creating suffering through their negativity.
Linga/Saguna Shiva worship in the Purana is not mere ritualism; it demands devotion joined with purity of conduct. The verse implies that antagonism toward Shiva-bhaktas and contempt for dharma obstructs the grace that arises from Linga worship and pilgrimage.
The takeaway is to steady oneself in Shiva-bhakti with dharmic discipline—regular japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and maintaining sattvic conduct—while avoiding harmful company and actions that turn one away from sacred teaching.