Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 8
षडध्ववेदनम् (Ṣaḍadhva-vedanam) — The Sixfold Path: Sound, Meaning, and Tattva-Distribution
सा विभागस्वरूपैव षडध्वात्मा विजृंभते । तत्र शब्दास्त्रयो ऽध्वानस्त्रयश्चार्थाः समीरिताः
sā vibhāgasvarūpaiva ṣaḍadhvātmā vijṛṃbhate | tatra śabdāstrayo 'dhvānastrayaścārthāḥ samīritāḥ
That Reality, whose very nature is differentiation and ordered unfolding, expands as the Self of the six paths (ṣaḍ-adhvā). Therein, three are declared to be the ‘paths’ of sound (śabda), and three are proclaimed to be the ‘paths’ of meaning or objective reality (artha).
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Role: teaching
FAQs
It frames liberation in Shaiva Siddhanta terms: the universe unfolds through ordered “paths” of sound and meaning, and the seeker retraces this structure inward—through mantra, knowledge, and discernment—toward Pati (Shiva), the transcendent source beyond the manifested categories.
Linga-worship employs both paths: śabda (mantra, especially the Panchakshara) and artha (contemplating Shiva as the inner reality signified by the Linga). The verse supports Saguna practice as a disciplined route through manifested forms and meanings, leading toward realization of Shiva’s higher, unconditioned nature.
Mantra-japa with contemplative meaning: repeat “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” (śabda) while meditating on Shiva as the indwelling Lord who grants release from pāśa (bondage) (artha). This integrates sound-discipline with insight, a key Siddhanta approach.