Shloka 43
Śiva–Hari–Rudra–Vidhīnāṃ Tattva-nirṇayaḥ
Identity of Śiva, Viṣṇu, Rudra, and Brahmā; Nirguṇa–Saguṇa Reconciliation
अन्ये च ये समुत्पन्ना यथानुक्रमतो लयम् । यांति नैव तथा रुद्रः शिवे रुद्रो विलीयते
anye ca ye samutpannā yathānukramato layam | yāṃti naiva tathā rudraḥ śive rudro vilīyate
All other beings that arise pass, in due order, into dissolution. But Rudra is not so; Rudra dissolves only into Śiva.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Rudra
FAQs
It distinguishes ordinary cosmic dissolution (laya) from the supreme principle: all created beings dissolve according to cosmic order, but Rudra—being Shiva’s own divine power—returns only into Shiva, indicating Shiva as the ultimate ground beyond all dissolution.
The Jyotirlinga/Linga signifies Shiva as the eternal Pati (Lord) into whom all tattvas ultimately resolve. Worship of Saguna Shiva through the Linga trains devotion and surrender toward that final absorption in Shiva, rather than mere cosmic pralaya.
Contemplate laya in Shiva while japa of the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” supported by Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrāksha as reminders that the final refuge and absorption is Shiva alone.