Shloka 3

Devanagari script

प्रकृत्यादिवशीकारो मोक्ष इत्युच्यते स्वतः । बद्धजीवस्तु निर्मुक्तो मुक्तजीवः स कथ्यते

Transliteration

prakṛtyādivaśīkāro mokṣa ityucyate svataḥ | baddhajīvastu nirmukto muktajīvaḥ sa kathyate

Translation

Mokṣa, by its very nature, is said to be mastery—bringing Prakṛti and the other limiting factors under control. The bound soul that becomes wholly released is called the liberated soul.

Word by Word

प्रकृत्यादिवशीकारःmastery over prakṛti etc.

मोक्षःliberation

इतिthus

उच्यतेis called

स्वतःby itself; inherently

बद्धजीवःthe bound soul

तुbut

निर्मुक्तःreleased, freed

मुक्तजीवःthe liberated soul

सःhe/that (one)

कथ्यतेis said/called

Speaker

Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating the Shiva Purana teaching to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya)

Shaiva Theology

Tattva Level: pasha

Shakti Dimension

Role: liberating

Characters & Entities

Shiva

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in the Shiva Purana?

It defines mokṣa as freedom from subjection to Prakṛti and other binding principles—when the jīva is no longer compelled by the guṇas and bonds (pāśa), it is termed mukta under Shiva’s grace.

How does this verse relate to the worship of the Linga or Saguna Shiva?

Linga/Saguna Shiva worship disciplines the mind and senses and turns the jīva from Prakṛti-bound identity toward Pati (Shiva). Through devotion, purity, and right knowledge, the soul gains mastery over bondage and moves toward liberation.

What ritualistic or meditative practice is suggested here?

A practical takeaway is daily Shiva-upāsanā with japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and steady meditation to restrain the guṇas—cultivating inner control that culminates in release (nirmukti).