Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 73
अनुग्रह-स्वातन्त्र्य-प्रमाणविचारः | Inquiry into Pramāṇa, Divine Autonomy, and Grace
त्रिमलास्त्वधमा ज्ञेया यथोत्तरमधिष्ठिताः । त्रिमलानधितिष्ठंति द्विमलैकमलाः क्रमात्
trimalāstvadhamā jñeyā yathottaramadhiṣṭhitāḥ | trimalānadhitiṣṭhaṃti dvimalaikamalāḥ kramāt
Those bound by the three impurities (malas) are to be known as the lowest, according to the ascending order of their entanglement. In due sequence, those with two impurities and those with a single impurity rise beyond, and are no longer ruled by the condition of the threefold impurity.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
FAQs
It presents a Shaiva Siddhanta-style hierarchy of souls (paśu) based on how strongly they are bound by impurities (mala). The more completely the three malas dominate, the farther one is from recognizing Shiva (Pati) and attaining liberation.
Worship of the Linga as Saguna Shiva is a practical means for the bound soul to receive Shiva’s grace and purification. As malas lessen through devotion, discipline, and grace, the soul becomes fit for deeper realization beyond bondage.
Regular japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), worship with bhasma (Tripuṇḍra), and Rudrāksha-dhāraṇa are traditional Shaiva supports for purification, alongside inner yoga and ethical restraint—culminating in Shiva’s anugraha (grace).