Shloka 15
Dehāśucitā-vicāraḥ
Inquiry into the Impurity of the Body
स्वदेहस्य विगंधेन न विरज्येत यो नरः । विरागकारणं तस्य किमेतदुपदिश्यते
svadehasya vigaṃdhena na virajyeta yo naraḥ | virāgakāraṇaṃ tasya kimetadupadiśyate
If a man does not grow dispassionate even because of the foul smell and impurity of his own body, then what cause of detachment could this instruction possibly teach him?
Lord Shiva (teaching Umā/Parvati on discernment and detachment as a prerequisite for liberation)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse stresses viveka (discernment): if one cannot develop detachment even by seeing the body’s inherent impurity and perishability, then deeper spiritual instruction will not take root. In Shaiva Siddhanta terms, this points to loosening pasha (bondage) so the soul can turn toward Pati (Shiva).
Linga-worship trains the mind to shift from identification with the impure, changing body to devotion toward Shiva as the pure, steady Reality. This verse supports that movement: detachment from body-centered craving makes Saguna Shiva worship effective and matures into contemplation of Shiva’s transcendence.
Practice daily japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with inner reflection on bodily impermanence, and adopt simple Shaiva disciplines (clean living, vibhuti/tripundra remembrance of ash-like impermanence) to strengthen vairagya.