Shloka 21
त्रिपुरमोहनम्
Tripuramohana — “The Delusion/Enchanting of Tripura”
संति दानान्यनेकानि किं तैस्तुच्छफलप्रदैः । अभीतिसदृशं दानं परमेकमपीह न
saṃti dānānyanekāni kiṃ taistucchaphalapradaiḥ | abhītisadṛśaṃ dānaṃ paramekamapīha na
There are many kinds of gifts (dāna), but what use are those that yield only paltry results? Here, there is not even a single gift equal to the supreme charity of granting fearlessness—freedom from terror and insecurity.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Sthala Purana: Not a site-specific verse; it establishes the ethical hierarchy of dāna by exalting abhaya-dāna (granting safety) as the highest, aligning dharma with Śiva’s grace toward bound beings.
Significance: Frames pilgrimage and worship as incomplete without compassion that removes fear—an outward sign of Śiva’s anugraha operating through the devotee.
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It elevates abhaya/abhīti-dāna—removing another being’s fear—as the highest form of charity, because it directly supports dharma and inner steadiness, aligning the giver with Shiva’s grace that dispels भय (fear) and grants protection.
Saguna Shiva as the Linga is revered as the protector who grants abhaya. Worship that culminates in compassion and protection of others reflects true devotion—offering not only substances but also safety, refuge, and reassurance as a living ‘offering’ to Shiva.
Practice abhaya in action: give refuge, prevent harm, and speak truthfully without intimidation; as a Shaiva discipline, pair it with japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) to cultivate fearlessness and extend that steadiness to others.