Shloka 35
नरकनामनिर्णयः
Catalogue of Narakas and Karmic Causes
पुमान्न नरकं याति यः स्मरन्भक्तितो मुने । अहर्निशं शिवं तस्मात्स क्षीणाशेषपातकः
pumānna narakaṃ yāti yaḥ smaranbhaktito mune | aharniśaṃ śivaṃ tasmātsa kṣīṇāśeṣapātakaḥ
O sage, the man who remembers Śiva with devotion does not go to hell. Therefore, by remembering Śiva day and night, he becomes one whose remaining sins are completely exhausted.
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Significance: Establishes bhakti-smaraṇa as a purifier that prevents naraka-gati and exhausts pāpa—an expression of Śiva’s saving grace overriding the downward pull of bondage.
Type: panchakshara
Role: liberating
FAQs
It teaches that unwavering devotional remembrance (śiva-smaraṇa) purifies the soul by dissolving sin and bondage, so the devotee is not dragged into hellish states but moves toward Shiva’s grace and liberation.
Remembering Shiva “day and night” is commonly supported by saguna upāsanā—Linga worship, mantra-japa, and visualization—through which the mind stays anchored in Shiva, leading to inner purification.
A practical takeaway is daily Shiva-smaraṇa through Panchakshara japa (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), along with simple Linga pūjā; keeping vibhūti (tripuṇḍra) and/or rudrākṣa can further sustain remembrance and devotion.