Shloka 22
शक्तितत्त्ववर्णनम् / Exposition of the Principle of Śakti
क्रमो विवक्षितो नूनं विमुक्तौ ज्ञानकर्मणोः । प्रसादे सति सा मूर्तिर्यस्मात्करतले स्थिता
kramo vivakṣito nūnaṃ vimuktau jñānakarmaṇoḥ | prasāde sati sā mūrtiryasmātkaratale sthitā
Surely, in speaking of liberation (mokṣa), an ordered sequence of knowledge (jñāna) and action (karma) is intended. For when grace (prasāda) is present, that very divine manifestation is as though placed in one’s palm—directly accessible and firmly attained.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Significance: Frames mokṣa as ultimately dependent on Śiva’s prasāda (grace): even when jñāna and karma are taught in sequence, realization becomes immediate and ‘hand-held’ when grace descends—supporting the Siddhānta emphasis on anugraha as decisive.
Role: liberating
FAQs
It teaches that moksha is not accidental: knowledge (jñāna) and disciplined practice (karma) mature in an ordered way, but liberation becomes immediate and certain only when Shiva’s grace (prasāda) arises—making realization as tangible as something held in the palm.
In Shaiva Siddhanta, worship of Saguna Shiva (such as the Linga) purifies the soul and stabilizes practice; through that worship, Shiva’s prasāda descends, and the Lord’s presence becomes directly ‘graspable’—transforming devotion and discipline into liberating realization.
Maintain a steady krama: daily Shiva-puja (especially Linga worship), japa of the Panchakshara “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” and yogic contemplation on Shiva; these support jñāna and karma, while one prays for and becomes receptive to Shiva’s prasāda.