Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 41
अनुग्रह-स्वातन्त्र्य-प्रमाणविचारः | Inquiry into Pramāṇa, Divine Autonomy, and Grace
सर्पस्यास्यगतम्पश्यन्यस्तु रक्ष्यमुपेक्षते । दोषाभासान्समुत्प्रेक्ष्य फलतः सो ऽपि निर्घृणः
sarpasyāsyagatampaśyanyastu rakṣyamupekṣate | doṣābhāsānsamutprekṣya phalataḥ so 'pi nirghṛṇaḥ
Even while seeing a serpent close at hand, one who neglects to protect what ought to be protected—imagining only “the semblance of faults”—becomes, by its very fruit and consequence, merciless as well.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva Purana teachings to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Bhairava
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga account; the serpent-at-hand imagery functions as a dharma-nyāya: ignoring imminent danger under the pretext of ‘mere appearances’ yields harmful consequences.
FAQs
It teaches vigilance (apramāda): when danger or adharma is clearly present, excusing it as “only an apparent fault” becomes a form of cruelty, binding the soul (paśu) more tightly in pasha through negligence and wrong discernment.
Linga-worship trains the devotee in inner alertness and moral clarity; honoring Saguna Shiva as Pati (the Lord) implies protecting what is sacred—dharma, vows, and the vulnerable—rather than rationalizing harm as insignificant.
Practice apramāda during japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya): maintain strict attention, avoid self-excusing “minor” lapses, and pair worship with protective dharma—non-harm, truthful speech, and disciplined conduct.