Shloka 52
Ikṣvāku-vaṃśa-prasaṅgaḥ — Genealogy of the Ikṣvāku Line and Exempla of Royal Dharma
स हि सत्यव्रतस्तेन श्वपाकवसथांतिके । पित्रा त्यक्तोऽवसद्वीरो धर्मपालेन भूभुजा
sa hi satyavratastena śvapākavasathāṃtike | pitrā tyakto'vasadvīro dharmapālena bhūbhujā
For he was a hero steadfast in the vow of truth. Therefore, cast off by his father, he lived near the dwelling of the caṇḍālas, protected by the righteous king Dharmapāla, guardian of Dharma.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It highlights satya (truth) as a core vrata: even when worldly ties reject a devotee, dharma sustains him, and inner worth—fit for Shiva’s grace—does not depend on social status but on steadfast righteousness.
Linga-worship in the Shiva Purana emphasizes purity of intention (bhāva) over external privilege. The verse supports Saguna Shiva’s compassion toward the dharmic devotee, even when society places him among the marginalized.
The practical takeaway is satyavrata with steady Shiva-bhakti—daily japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and simple, sincere worship (with bhasma/tripundra if available), maintaining truthfulness as the primary discipline.