Shloka 10
तपसो महिमा
The Greatness and Typology of Tapas
सात्त्विकं दैवतानां हि यतीनामूर्द्ध्वरेतसाम् । राजसं दानवानां हि मनुष्याणां तथैव च । तामसं राक्षसानां हि नराणां क्रूरकर्मणाम्
sāttvikaṃ daivatānāṃ hi yatīnāmūrddhvaretasām | rājasaṃ dānavānāṃ hi manuṣyāṇāṃ tathaiva ca | tāmasaṃ rākṣasānāṃ hi narāṇāṃ krūrakarmaṇām
The disposition of the Devas is chiefly sāttvika; so too is that of ascetics who, through continence, preserve their vital energy. The disposition of the Dānavas is chiefly rājasa, and likewise that of ordinary human beings. The disposition of the Rākṣasas is chiefly tāmasa, as is that of those engaged in cruel deeds.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shaiva philosophical teaching to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It teaches that beings and behaviors are shaped by the three guṇas, and that spiritual ascent toward Shiva is supported by sāttvika qualities—clarity, restraint, and inner purity—especially as seen in disciplined ascetics.
Linga and Saguna Shiva worship is most fruitful when the devotee cultivates sāttva through purity, self-control, and reverence; rajas and tamas agitate or obscure the mind, reducing steadiness in japa, dhyāna, and ritual focus.
The verse points toward brahmacarya/self-restraint and sāttvika living, which support steady japa (e.g., Om Namaḥ Śivāya), meditation, and disciplined Shaiva observances such as bhasma-dhāraṇa and regular pūjā.