Shloka 30
नरकनामनिर्णयः
Catalogue of Narakas and Karmic Causes
प्रायश्चित्तं तु यस्यैव पापं पुंसः प्रजायते । कृते पापेऽनुतापोऽपि शिवसंस्मरणं परम्
prāyaścittaṃ tu yasyaiva pāpaṃ puṃsaḥ prajāyate | kṛte pāpe'nutāpo'pi śivasaṃsmaraṇaṃ param
For the very sin that arises in a person, the true expiation is this: even after the sin is done, remorse—together with supreme remembrance of Lord Śiva—is the highest remedy.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating Shiva Purana teachings to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Sthala Purana: General instruction: prāyaścitta is internalized as anutāpa (remorse) oriented toward Śiva-saṃsmaraṇa; no specific shrine narrative.
Significance: Teaches the pilgrim-householder that repentance is not merely fear of punishment but a turning (nivṛtti) toward Śiva, enabling purification and future restraint.
Mantra: शिवसंस्मरणं परम्
Type: stotra
Role: teaching
Cosmic Event: Karmic ‘burning’ through inner contrition and divine recollection (attenuation of karmamala)
FAQs
It teaches that inner transformation is essential: genuine remorse for wrongdoing, crowned by constant remembrance of Śiva (śiva-saṁsmaraṇa), becomes the highest purification and turns the mind back toward grace and liberation.
Śiva-remembrance is supported by Saguna worship—such as Linga-pūjā, japa of the Panchākṣarī, and contemplation of Śiva’s compassionate form—so that repentance becomes steady devotion rather than mere guilt.
Practice Śiva-smaraṇa through Panchākṣarī japa (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), mental recollection of Śiva’s name and qualities, and simple purifying observances like vibhūti (tripuṇḍra) and daily worship as supports for sincere repentance.