Shloka 20
सतीकृतप्रार्थना तथा परतत्त्वजिज्ञासा — Satī’s Prayer and Inquiry into the Supreme Principle
विहिताविहिताभेदात्तामनेकां विदुर्बुधाः । तयोर्बहुविधत्वाच्च तत्त्वं त्वन्यत्र वर्णितम्
vihitāvihitābhedāttāmanekāṃ vidurbudhāḥ | tayorbahuvidhatvācca tattvaṃ tvanyatra varṇitam
Because of the distinction between what is enjoined and what is forbidden, the wise know that (that discipline/observance) has many forms. And since both of these are of many kinds, their true principle has been explained elsewhere.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Īśāna
FAQs
It teaches discernment: spiritual life in Shaiva dharma requires knowing what supports Shiva-realization (vihita) and what obstructs it (avihita). The verse stresses that practices vary, but their guiding principle is to reduce bondage (pāśa) and orient the soul (paśu) toward the Lord (Pati).
Linga/Saguna worship is rule-guided—purity, mantra, offerings, and conduct are typically vihita, while disrespect, impurity, or prohibited actions are avihita. The verse notes that these rules have many subtypes, and their deeper rationale is explained elsewhere: to make worship steady, reverent, and transformative.
The takeaway is disciplined observance: follow prescribed Shaiva practices such as japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and maintain ritual purity, while avoiding prohibited actions that disturb devotion and inner clarity.