Shloka 23
नरकलोकवर्णनम् (Narakaloka-varṇanam) — Description of the Hell-Realms
इति ते नामतः प्रोक्ता घोरा नरककोटयः । अष्टाविंशतिरेवैताः पापानां यातनात्मिकाः
iti te nāmataḥ proktā ghorā narakakoṭayaḥ | aṣṭāviṃśatirevaitāḥ pāpānāṃ yātanātmikāḥ
Thus, these dreadful multitudes of hells have been declared to you by name. Indeed, they are twenty-eight in number—realms whose very nature is torment, experienced as the consequence of sinful actions.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Purana to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pasha
Sthala Purana: This verse is a cataloging transition: it summarizes the enumeration of 28 hell-realms as karmic consequences; not tied to a specific liṅga-sthala.
Significance: Serves as dharma-upadeśa: reflection on naraka as pāśa (bondage) encourages ethical restraint and seeking Śiva’s anugraha through devotion and right conduct.
FAQs
It summarizes that the Purana has enumerated twenty-eight named hell-realms to teach moral discernment: pāpa binds the soul through suffering (a form of pāśa), while turning toward Shiva as Pati supports purification and liberation.
By highlighting the consequences of sin, it implicitly urges refuge in Saguna Shiva—worship of the Linga with devotion and right conduct—so that karmic impurities are reduced and the aspirant becomes fit for Shiva’s grace and moksha.
Adopt daily Shiva-oriented discipline: japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), sincere repentance and ethical restraint, and regular puja/abhisheka to the Linga as a practical antidote to pāpa.