Shloka 148

उमामहेश्वरव्रतं—पञ्चाक्षरमन्त्रस्य माहात्म्यं, न्यासः, जपविधिः, सदाचारः, विनियोगः

Devanagari script

एको न गच्छेदध्वानं बाहुभ्यां नोत्तरेन्नदीम् नावरोहेत कूपादिं नारोहेदुच्चपादपान्

Transliteration

eko na gacchedadhvānaṃ bāhubhyāṃ nottarennadīm nāvaroheta kūpādiṃ nāroheduccapādapān

Translation

No debe recorrer el camino en soledad; no debe intentar cruzar un río sólo con sus brazos; no debe descender a pozos y similares; ni debe trepar a árboles elevados. Así, el paśu (alma ligada) ha de evitar actos temerarios que fortalecen el pāśa (atadura) y preservar el cuerpo como instrumento para el culto a Śiva y la búsqueda de la liberación bajo el Pati (Señor).

Word by Word

• ekaḥ: alone

• na: not

• gacchet: should go/travel

• adhvānam: a journey/road

• bāhubhyām: with (one’s) arms

• na: not

• uttaret: should cross

• nadīm: a river

• na: not

• avaroheta: should descend/climb down

• kūpa-ādīm: a well and similar places

• na: not

• ārohet: should climb

• ucca-pāda-pān: high trees (lit. tall-footed, i.e., lofty)

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating dharma-instructions within the Linga Purana discourse) to the sages of Naimisharanya

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It teaches practical restraint: preserving the body and avoiding needless danger supports steady nitya-puja, vrata, and pilgrimage to Shiva-lingas—making the devotee fit for disciplined worship.

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

Indirectly, it frames Shiva as Pati (the Lord) and the aspirant as paśu: the devotee should reduce pāśa (bondage) by wise conduct, so the mind can remain oriented to Shiva-tattva rather than fear, injury, or instability.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It highlights niyama-like discipline (self-regulation) foundational to Pashupata-oriented sadhana: minimizing risk, maintaining bodily integrity, and cultivating steadiness for japa, dhyana, and Shiva-puja.