Shloka 23
नरकनामनिर्णयः
Catalogue of Narakas and Karmic Causes
तथैव पापान्येतानि तथान्यानि सहस्रशः । भुज्यंते यानि पुरुषैर्नरकांतरगोचरैः
tathaiva pāpānyetāni tathānyāni sahasraśaḥ | bhujyaṃte yāni puruṣairnarakāṃtaragocaraiḥ
In the same way, these sins—and thousands of other kinds as well—are truly undergone in their results by human beings who become bound to the many regions of hell.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Purana’s teaching on karmic consequences to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Rudra
FAQs
The verse emphasizes karma-phala: pāpa inevitably ripens into suffering, binding the soul (paśu) through pāśa (karmic bondage) to lower states like naraka until purification and Shiva’s grace turn the being toward liberation.
By highlighting the fearsome certainty of karmic retribution, the text implicitly directs the devotee toward Saguna Shiva—worship of the Linga, japa, and devotion—as a purifying refuge that burns pāpa and redirects consciousness toward Shiva.
A practical takeaway is daily Panchakshara japa (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with repentance and resolve, supported by Shaiva purificatory observances such as Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrākṣa as aids to disciplined remembrance of Shiva.