Shloka 77
पार्वत्याः यात्रासंस्कारः तथा पातिव्रत्योपदेशः / Preparations for Girijā’s Auspicious Journey and the Teaching on Pātivratya
पत्युः कुलस्य च भयाद्व्यभिचारं करोति न । पतिव्रताऽधमा सा हि कथिता पूर्वसूरिभिः
patyuḥ kulasya ca bhayādvyabhicāraṃ karoti na | pativratā'dhamā sā hi kathitā pūrvasūribhiḥ
Out of fear of her husband and of his family’s honour, she does not commit adultery; such a woman has been described by the sages of old as the lowest kind of pativratā.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Rudrasaṃhitā’s Parvati Khanda teachings to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It distinguishes fear-based restraint from true dharma: mere avoidance of wrongdoing due to social or familial fear is considered an inferior virtue; Shaiva teaching values inner purity, conscience, and devotion aligned with Shiva as the indwelling Lord (Pati).
Linga worship emphasizes inner sanctity (antar-śauca) and integrity; devotion to Saguna Shiva is not just outward conformity but transformation of character—restraint arising from reverence for Shiva and commitment to dharma rather than fear of worldly consequences.
Practice japa of the Panchakshara mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with a vow of truthfulness and self-restraint, using the mantra to purify motives so ethical conduct arises from devotion and inner clarity rather than fear.