Shloka 54
दक्षयज्ञे सत्या अपमानबोधः — Satī Encounters Disrespect at Dakṣa’s Sacrifice
प्रवृत्तं च निवृत्तं च द्विविधं कर्मचोदि तम् । वेदे विविच्य वृत्तं च तद्विचार्यं मनीषिभिः
pravṛttaṃ ca nivṛttaṃ ca dvividhaṃ karmacodi tam | vede vivicya vṛttaṃ ca tadvicāryaṃ manīṣibhiḥ
Action enjoined by scripture is twofold—pravṛtti (engagement) and nivṛtti (withdrawal). Having discerned their proper scope as taught in the Veda, the wise should reflect and choose rightly, so that duty becomes a means of purification and, at last, liberation under the Lord (Pati), Śiva.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Significance: Frames dharma as twofold—pravṛtti and nivṛtti—guiding pilgrims from ritual merit toward inner renunciation and Śiva-oriented liberation; supports the Siddhānta path of caryā–kriyā–yoga–jñāna culminating in grace.
Role: teaching
FAQs
It teaches discernment: Veda-guided action has two paths—pravṛtti (purifying duty) and nivṛtti (inner renunciation). The wise reflect and adopt the course that leads from disciplined conduct to freedom, culminating in liberation through Śiva as Pati (the Lord of souls).
Pravṛtti supports Saguna worship through prescribed rites—pūjā, abhiṣeka, mantra-japa—performed with devotion to the Liṅga, which purifies the mind. Nivṛtti matures that devotion into inward contemplation, where worship becomes steady remembrance of Śiva beyond mere external action.
Follow Veda-aligned daily discipline: perform Śiva-pūjā and japa as pravṛtti, while cultivating nivṛtti through regular meditation, sense-restraint, and contemplation on Śiva as the inner Self; let ritual become a bridge to inner stillness.