Shloka 3
Arjuna’s Mantra-Empowerment and the Pāṇḍavas’ Separation (Śiva-rūpa through Mantra)
इदङ्कार्य्यन्त्वया साध्यन्नान्येन च कदाचन । व्यासस्य वचनाद्भाति सफलं कुरु जीवितम्
idaṅkāryyantvayā sādhyannānyena ca kadācana | vyāsasya vacanādbhāti saphalaṃ kuru jīvitam
“This task must be accomplished by you—and by no one else, at any time. By Vyāsa’s word it becomes evident; therefore, make your life fruitful.”
Suta Goswami (narrating the Shiva Purana tradition, conveying an instruction grounded in Vyasa’s authority)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Role: teaching
FAQs
It teaches niyoga (a divinely assigned duty): when a responsibility is sanctioned by a realized authority like Vyasa, fulfilling it becomes a means to make life spiritually meaningful, aligning the individual will with dharma and Shiva’s grace.
In the Shiva Purana, scriptural instruction (śāstra) and guru-command guide proper Saguna Shiva worship—especially Linga-sevā and vrata. The verse emphasizes that sanctioned practice and duty, not personal whim, leads to fruitful spiritual progress.
The takeaway is to follow the prescribed Shiva-oriented sādhana given by scripture/teacher—such as japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), Linga-pūjā, and vrata—performed with steadfastness as one’s appointed duty.