Shloka 45
प्रयागे महत्समाजः — शिवदर्शनं दक्षागमनं च
The Great Assembly at Prayāga: Śiva’s Appearance and Dakṣa’s Arrival
तस्मादात्मविदो नित्यं त्वं मा शप रुषान्वितः । शप्या न वेदाः केनापि दुर्द्धियापि कदाचन
tasmādātmavido nityaṃ tvaṃ mā śapa ruṣānvitaḥ | śapyā na vedāḥ kenāpi durddhiyāpi kadācana
Therefore, you who are ever a knower of the Self (Ātman)—do not, overcome by anger, utter a curse. The Vedas are never fit to be cursed by anyone at any time, not even by a person of perverse understanding.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating the Satīkhaṇḍa dialogue; the counsel is voiced by an elder/teacher figure within the story)
Tattva Level: pasha
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga passage; it is a dharma-śikṣā within the narrative: restraining wrath and not reviling the Veda, which functions as pramāṇa (authoritative revelation) for dharma and Śiva-tattva.
Significance: Ethical purification (krodha-nigraha) is presented as foundational for sādhana; pilgrims and practitioners are cautioned to maintain reverence for śruti while engaging in Śaiva worship.
FAQs
It teaches that even an ātmavid (one grounded in inner knowledge) must restrain anger, because wrath leads to adharma. Reverence for the Vedas is upheld as a safeguard for right understanding and right conduct on the Shaiva path.
Linga-worship in the Shiva Purana is framed as Veda-aligned devotion and disciplined conduct. By forbidding condemnation of the Vedas and warning against anger, the verse supports the purity (śuddhi) and humility required for fruitful Saguna Shiva worship.
The practical takeaway is anger-restraint and careful speech before worship—approaching Shiva with śānti (calmness). As a meditative aid, one may steady the mind with japa (e.g., the Panchākṣarī) before any vow, prayer, or ritual act.