Shloka 45
Pitṛbhakti and Śrāddha: The Classification of Pitṛs and the Superiority of Pitṛ-kārya
तथेत्युक्त्वा तु तस्यासीत्तदा योगात्मनो गतिः । एवं तौ चक्रवाकौ च स्ववाक्यं प्रत्यभाषताम्
tathetyuktvā tu tasyāsīttadā yogātmano gatiḥ | evaṃ tau cakravākau ca svavākyaṃ pratyabhāṣatām
Having said, “So be it,” at that very moment the yogic-souled one attained his destined course (entered his yogic state and departed). Thus, the pair of cakravāka birds also responded in accordance with their own words.
Suta Goswami (narrating the account to the sages, Uma Samhita context)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Sthala Purana: Not a jyotirliṅga account; describes the yogātman’s ‘gati’—a yogic departure/attainment—immediately upon assent (‘tathā’), highlighting the efficacy of resolve and (by implication) grace.
Significance: Supports the ideal of yoga-siddhi and right ‘gati’ at death; in Siddhānta, such gati is stabilized when Śiva’s anugraha removes bondage and grants right passage.
FAQs
The verse highlights the Shaiva ideal of a yogin whose inner resolve culminates in “gati”—a perfected transition of consciousness, pointing to liberation under the grace and order of Pati (Shiva). Even nature (symbolized by the cakravāka pair) aligns with truth spoken and dharma upheld.
In Shaiva Siddhanta, Saguna worship (Linga, mantra, and devotion) purifies the pashu (bound soul) so that yoga ripens into right “gati.” The yogic departure here is seen as the fruit of disciplined worship and Shiva’s anugraha (grace), not mere personal effort.
The takeaway is steadiness in yoga and sankalpa: daily japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), meditation on Shiva within the heart, and supportive observances like Tripundra (bhasma) and Rudraksha—practices that mature the mind toward a liberated ‘course’ (gati).