Shloka 109
Praṇava-Māhātmya and the Twofold Mantra (Sūkṣma–Sthūla) in Śaiva Sādhanā
एवं क्रमेण विष्ण्वादेः पदं लब्ध्वा महौजसः । क्रमेण तत्पदैश्वर्यं लब्ध्वा चैव महात्मनः
evaṃ krameṇa viṣṇvādeḥ padaṃ labdhvā mahaujasaḥ | krameṇa tatpadaiśvaryaṃ labdhvā caiva mahātmanaḥ
Thus, step by step, that great-splendoured noble soul attained the rank of Viṣṇu and the other divine stations; and in due order he also obtained the lordly powers that belong to those exalted positions.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Role: teaching
Cosmic Event: Hierarchical loka/pada ascent: attainment of Viṣṇu and other stations, then their aiśvarya—still within graded cosmos
FAQs
It highlights graded spiritual ascent: through sustained merit, devotion, and right practice, a soul may rise through increasingly exalted states—yet, in Shaiva Siddhanta, all such powers are ultimately subordinate to the supreme grace of Shiva (Pati).
The verse supports the Shiva Purana theme that worship of Saguna Shiva—especially through Linga-upasana—purifies the soul and can confer higher stations and abilities; however, these are milestones, not the final goal, which is liberation through Shiva’s grace.
A practical takeaway is steady, daily Shiva-sadhana—Linga worship with mantra-japa (especially the Panchakshara, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”)—performed consistently over time, since the verse emphasizes attainment ‘in due order’ (krameṇa).