Shloka 22
नरकनामनिर्णयः
Catalogue of Narakas and Karmic Causes
एते चान्ये च नरकाः शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः । येषु दुष्कृतकर्माणः पच्यते यातनागताः
ete cānye ca narakāḥ śataśo'tha sahasraśaḥ | yeṣu duṣkṛtakarmāṇaḥ pacyate yātanāgatāḥ
These and many other hells—by the hundreds and even by the thousands—exist; in them, those who commit evil deeds, having fallen into states of punishment, are “cooked” in torment. From the Shaiva standpoint, such suffering arises from pāśa (bondage) forged by one’s own karma, until the soul turns toward Pati (Lord Śiva) and the path of purification.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Shiva Purana discourse to the sages, consistent with Purana frame narrative)
Tattva Level: pasha
FAQs
It emphasizes that suffering is not arbitrary: karmic bondage (pāśa) ripens into painful results. The verse urges ethical living and a turn toward Śiva (Pati) through purification and devotion to end the cycle of punishment and rebirth.
By highlighting the consequences of duṣkṛta (harmful deeds), it indirectly points to the remedial path taught in Shaiva tradition—approaching Saguna Śiva through Liṅga worship, repentance, and disciplined practice, which purifies karma and loosens pāśa.
A practical takeaway is regular japa of the Panchākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with a vow of non-harming and self-restraint; this aligns conduct with dharma and supports karmic purification.