Shloka 4
नरकलोकमार्गयमदूतस्वरूपवर्णनम् / Description of the Path to Naraka and the Nature of Yama’s Messengers
न केचित्प्राणिनस्संति ये न यांति यमक्षयम् । अवश्यं हि कृतं कर्म भोक्तव्यं तद्विचार्य्यताम्
na kecitprāṇinassaṃti ye na yāṃti yamakṣayam | avaśyaṃ hi kṛtaṃ karma bhoktavyaṃ tadvicāryyatām
There are no living beings who do not go to the abode of Yama. Indeed, whatever karma has been performed must inevitably be experienced as its result; let this be rightly reflected upon.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Uma-samhita teachings to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Significance: A stark karmic axiom that drives śaraṇāgati (seeking refuge) in Śiva; reflection (vicāra) becomes the doorway to grace-oriented practice.
Cosmic Event: Universal subjection of embodied beings to karmic fruition and Yama’s domain (saṃsāra-niyama)
FAQs
It stresses the inevitability of karmic fruition and mortality, urging discernment (vicāra) so one turns toward Shiva-centered sādhanā that loosens bondage (pāśa) and leads toward liberation.
By highlighting the certainty of karmic consequences, it motivates refuge in Saguna Shiva—worship of the Shiva-Linga, mantra, and devotion—as a purifying path that transforms karma and directs the soul toward Shiva’s grace.
Regular self-inquiry into one’s actions, coupled with Panchakshara japa (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and disciplined worship (pujā/abhisheka) as daily practice to purify karmic tendencies.