Shloka 46
तपसो महिमा
The Greatness and Typology of Tapas
इति ज्ञात्वा नरः पुण्यं कुर्यात्पापं विवर्जयेत् । पुण्येन याति देवत्वमपुण्यो नरकं व्रजेत्
iti jñātvā naraḥ puṇyaṃ kuryātpāpaṃ vivarjayet | puṇyena yāti devatvamapuṇyo narakaṃ vrajet
Knowing this, a person should perform meritorious deeds and avoid sin. By merit one attains the state of the gods; one without merit goes to hell.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Īśāna
FAQs
It teaches the Shaiva ethic of karma: conscious choice toward puṇya (dharma-aligned action) and away from pāpa, shaping one’s post-death trajectory; it supports purification as a prerequisite for higher realization and Shiva’s grace.
Linga-worship is traditionally paired with pure conduct—truthfulness, non-injury, and restraint. This verse frames that moral discipline as the supportive ground for fruitful Saguna Shiva devotion and for receiving auspicious results.
Adopt daily Shaiva sādhana with ethical restraint: worship of Shiva with mantra-japa (e.g., Panchakshara), and avoidance of sinful acts; let conduct become the ‘outer vrata’ supporting inner remembrance.