Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 24
पशुपाशपतिज्ञान-प्राप्तिः
Acquisition of Paśupati–Pāśa Knowledge
कस्य भोगेन किं भोग्यं किं वा तद्भोगसाधनम् । मलक्षयस्य को हेतुः कीदृक्क्षीणमलः पुमान्
kasya bhogena kiṃ bhogyaṃ kiṃ vā tadbhogasādhanam | malakṣayasya ko hetuḥ kīdṛkkṣīṇamalaḥ pumān
By whose experiencing does enjoyment occur—what, indeed, is the object enjoyed, and what are the means by which that enjoyment is accomplished? What is the cause of the destruction of impurity (mala), and what is a person like when his impurity has been exhausted?
Suta Goswami (narrating the Vāyavīya philosophical inquiry to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
FAQs
It frames the core Shaiva Siddhanta inquiry: who the true experiencer is (pashu/jiva), what constitutes experience (bhoga), and how bondage-causing impurity (mala) is removed so the soul can realize Shiva’s grace and attain liberation.
By questioning the mechanism of experience and impurity, it points to the need for Shiva’s anugraha (grace), which is traditionally sought through Saguna worship—Linga-puja, mantra-japa, and devotion—leading the soul from outward bhoga toward inner purification.
The verse implies purification-oriented sadhana: steady mantra-japa (especially the Panchakshara), dhyana on Shiva, and disciplined living that reduces mala; in Purana practice this is supported by Linga worship and Shaiva observances aimed at inner cleansing.