Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 16
भक्ताधिकारि-द्विजधर्म-योगिलक्षणवर्णनम् / Duties of Qualified Devotees and Marks of Yogins
राज्ञां ममाश्रमस्थानामेष धर्मस्य संग्रहः । गोरक्षणं च वाणिज्यं कृषिर्वैश्यस्य कथ्यते
rājñāṃ mamāśramasthānāmeṣa dharmasya saṃgrahaḥ | gorakṣaṇaṃ ca vāṇijyaṃ kṛṣirvaiśyasya kathyate
For kings and for those established in the disciplines of the āśramas, this is the concise summary of dharma. For the Vaiśya, it is taught that the duties are the protection of cattle, trade, and agriculture.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
It frames worldly duty (dharma) as an ordered discipline: when one performs one’s rightful work without harm and with restraint, the mind becomes fit for Shiva-bhakti and for the grace of Pati (Shiva) that loosens the bonds (pāśa).
It shows that Linga-worship is supported by dharmic living: honest livelihood, protection of life (symbolized by cattle-protection), and social responsibility become offerings in action, preparing the devotee for steady Saguna Shiva devotion and inner purity.
The verse implies karma-yoga-like discipline: perform one’s duty with purity and remembrance of Shiva—e.g., daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) while maintaining truthful work and non-injurious conduct.