Shloka 40
Śivakṣetra–Tīrtha–Māhātmya
The Salvific Function of Shiva’s Sacred Domains
दानाद्धनकृतं नश्येन्नाऽन्यथाकल्पकोटिभिः । क्वचित्पापेन पुण्यं च वृद्धिपूर्वेण नश्यति
dānāddhanakṛtaṃ naśyennā'nyathākalpakoṭibhiḥ | kvacitpāpena puṇyaṃ ca vṛddhipūrveṇa naśyati
Wealth that has been amassed is truly exhausted only through giving (dāna)—not otherwise, even over millions of aeons. Yet, in some cases, merit (puṇya) too is destroyed by sin; it perishes after first swelling up (appearing to increase).
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Shakti Form: Annapūrṇā
Role: nurturing
Offering: naivedya
Cosmic Event: kalpa-scale time is invoked (kalpakoṭi) to stress karmic persistence
FAQs
It teaches that wealth is purified and meaningfully “spent” only through dāna, while spiritual merit is fragile—sin can destroy it, sometimes after it appears to prosper—so the devotee should protect puṇya through disciplined conduct and Shiva-bhakti.
In Linga-worship, offerings and charity are extensions of devotion: giving reduces possessiveness (pāśa) and aligns the worshipper (paśu) toward Pati (Shiva). The verse warns that outward prosperity or merit without inner restraint can be undermined by pāpa.
Practice regular dāna alongside Shiva-upāsanā—especially on Mondays or Mahāśivarātri—while maintaining purity of conduct; support Linga-pūjā, feed devotees/poor, and pair charity with japa (e.g., Om Namaḥ Śivāya) to safeguard puṇya.