Shloka 20
Strī-svabhāva-kathanam: Nārada–Pañcacūḍā-saṃvāda
Discourse on Dispassion via the Nārada–Pañcacūḍā Dialogue
अनर्थित्वान्मनुष्याणां भयात्पतिजनस्य च । मर्यादायाममर्यादाः स्त्रियस्तिष्ठंति भर्तृषु
anarthitvānmanuṣyāṇāṃ bhayātpatijanasya ca | maryādāyāmamaryādāḥ striyastiṣṭhaṃti bhartṛṣu
Because people are troublesome and because of fear of the husband’s own kin, even women who are otherwise unrestrained remain within the bounds of propriety when they are under the protection and authority of their husbands.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It highlights maryādā (ethical boundaries) as a stabilizing force in worldly life, implying that disciplined conduct supports inner purity—an essential foundation for Shaiva sādhana leading toward Shiva’s grace (Pati) and liberation from bonds (pāśa).
Linga-worship in the Shiva Purana is sustained by purity of conduct and restraint; this verse frames social order and self-control as practical supports for steady devotion to Saguna Shiva, which matures into deeper contemplation of Shiva beyond qualities.
The takeaway is to pair daily Shiva-bhakti with discipline: maintain śauca and maryādā, chant the Panchākṣarī ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya"), and perform simple home worship with vibhūti (Tripuṇḍra) as a reminder of restraint and renunciation.