Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 74
पशु-पाश-पतिविचारः / Inquiry into Paśu, Pāśa, and Pati
न पुत्रायाशुवृत्ताय नाशिष्याय च सर्वथा । यस्य देवे पराभक्तिर्यथा देवे तथा गुरौ
na putrāyāśuvṛttāya nāśiṣyāya ca sarvathā | yasya deve parābhaktiryathā deve tathā gurau
This teaching is never to be imparted to a son of corrupt conduct, nor at all to one who is no true disciple. It is to be given only to that person who has supreme devotion to the Lord—and who, just as toward the Lord, has the same devotion toward the Guru.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Sthala Purana: Not tied to a Jyotirliṅga; it articulates the guru-bhakti criterion that undergirds Śaiva pilgrimage lineages and temple initiation customs.
Significance: Frames pilgrimage/temple learning as fruitful only when accompanied by parā-bhakti to Śiva and equal reverence to the guru.
Role: teaching
FAQs
It defines spiritual eligibility (adhikāra): Shaiva knowledge is to be entrusted only to a disciplined seeker whose bhakti to Shiva (Pati) is matched by sincere devotion and obedience to the Guru, the living channel of grace and instruction.
Linga/Saguna worship is not mere external ritual; it requires inner purity and right discipleship. The verse implies that proper Linga-upāsanā and mantra practice bear fruit when received through the Guru and supported by unwavering devotion to Shiva.
It points to Guru-initiated practice—such as japa of the Panchākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and disciplined Shaiva observances—undertaken with humility, ethical conduct, and steady devotion to both Shiva and the Guru.