Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 17
विभूतिविस्तरप्रश्नः / Inquiry into the Expansion of Śiva’s Vibhūti
नष्टमासीन्मलं सर्वं मायाजं कार्ममेव च । तपःक्षीणमलं कृष्णमुपमन्युर्यथाविधिः
naṣṭamāsīnmalaṃ sarvaṃ māyājaṃ kārmameva ca | tapaḥkṣīṇamalaṃ kṛṣṇamupamanyuryathāvidhiḥ
Thus, all impurity was destroyed—both that born of māyā and that arising from karma. Through austerity, the dark, binding taint was worn away, and Upamanyu was purified according to the prescribed rule.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Role: liberating
FAQs
It teaches that bondage is twofold—māyic delusion and karmic residue—and that disciplined tapas, aligned with śāstra, burns away the obscuring mala, preparing the devotee for Shiva’s grace and liberation.
In the Shiva Purana’s devotional framework, correct worship (yathā-vidhi) of Saguna Shiva—often centered on the Linga—purifies the mind; when impurities thin out, the devotee becomes fit to realize Shiva beyond form as well.
The verse emphasizes yathā-vidhi discipline: sustained tapas with scriptural observance—such as mantra-japa (including Panchakshara), regulated vows, and purity-oriented worship—aimed at reducing karmic and māyic impurities.