Shloka 50
दृष्ट्वा च बहवो धर्मा नैतेन सदृशाः पुनः । वयं सुदीक्षिताश्चात्र दृष्ट्वा धर्मं सनातनम्
dṛṣṭvā ca bahavo dharmā naitena sadṛśāḥ punaḥ | vayaṃ sudīkṣitāścātra dṛṣṭvā dharmaṃ sanātanam
Having observed many paths of dharma, none is truly equal to this one. Here we have been well initiated, for we have beheld the eternal dharma—aligned with Śiva, the Lord who grants liberation (mokṣa).
Suta Goswami (narrating the Yuddhakhaṇḍa account to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya; the verse conveys the sentiment of devotees recognizing Śaiva-dharma as supreme).
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Significance: Affirms Śaiva-dharma as ‘sanātana’; hearing/assenting to such teaching is framed as leading toward right initiation and ultimately liberation through Śiva’s grace.
Role: liberating
FAQs
It declares that among many religious paths, the Śaiva path—rooted in the eternal dharma and confirmed through true dīkṣā—uniquely leads the soul toward Śiva’s grace and liberation.
Calling this dharma ‘unsurpassed’ supports the Purāṇic emphasis on taking refuge in Saguna Śiva (often approached through Liṅga-worship) as the accessible form through which the bound soul receives guidance, purification, and grace.
The verse highlights dīkṣā and steadfast adherence to Śaiva-dharma; a practical takeaway is disciplined Śiva-upāsanā—daily mantra-japa (e.g., pañcākṣarī), temple/Liṅga worship, and living by Śaiva vows as one properly initiated.