Shloka 44
Satyavrata, Vasiṣṭha, and the Crisis of Dharma: Protection, Anger, and Vow-Discipline
सगरस्स्वां प्रतिज्ञां तु गुरोर्वाक्यं निशम्य च । धर्मं जघान तेषां वै केशान्यत्वं चकार ह
sagarassvāṃ pratijñāṃ tu gurorvākyaṃ niśamya ca | dharmaṃ jaghāna teṣāṃ vai keśānyatvaṃ cakāra ha
Hearing the words of his preceptor, Sagara upheld his own vow and, in accord with dharma, caused their hair to be altered.
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Īśāna
FAQs
It highlights that steadfastness in one’s vow and reverence for the guru’s instruction are expressions of dharma; such disciplined action shapes karmic outcomes and supports the soul’s gradual purification toward Shiva-realization.
Though not explicitly about the Linga, the verse reflects the Shaiva ethic that devotion to Shiva is sustained by dharma—truthfulness, fidelity to vows, and honoring the guru—qualities that make Linga-worship fruitful and sattvic.
A practical takeaway is to take a disciplined vrata (vow) with guidance from a competent teacher and support it with daily japa of the Panchakshara—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—as a dharmic anchor for conduct and inner restraint.