Shloka 23
तपः–मन्त्रजप–ध्यानविधिः
Protocol of Tapas, Mantra-Japa, and Śiva-Dhyāna
गुरोश्च वचनं मेद्य वर्तते दुःखदस्त्वया । हन्तव्यः सर्वथा राजन्नात्र कार्या विचारणा
gurośca vacanaṃ medya vartate duḥkhadastvayā | hantavyaḥ sarvathā rājannātra kāryā vicāraṇā
“Even the command of the guru has, through you, been made a cause of sorrow. Therefore, O King, you must be slain without fail—there is no need for deliberation in this matter.”
An authoritative advisor/minister addressing the king (narrative voice within Śatarudrasaṃhitā, as relayed by Sūta to the sages)
Tattva Level: pasha
FAQs
It underscores the grave karmic weight of violating the guru’s instruction: when ego turns sacred guidance into suffering, dharma demands firm correction to restore order.
Saguna Shiva is upheld as the guardian of dharma; this verse reflects the puranic theme that Shiva’s order protects the sanctity of guru-paramparā and righteous conduct, which are foundational to worship.
A practical takeaway is guru-smaraṇa and self-restraint: repeat the Panchākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with repentance and vow-keeping, aligning one’s actions with dharma and the guru’s guidance.