Shloka 8

Adhyaya 89: शौचाचारलक्षणम् — सदाचार, भैक्ष्यचर्या, प्रायश्चित्त, द्रव्यशुद्धि, आशौच-निर्णय

Devanagari script

मत्स्यगृह्यस्य यत्पापं षण्मासाभ्यन्तरे भवेत् एकाहं तत्समं ज्ञेयम् अपूतं यज्जलं भवेत्

Transliteration

matsyagṛhyasya yatpāpaṃ ṣaṇmāsābhyantare bhavet ekāhaṃ tatsamaṃ jñeyam apūtaṃ yajjalaṃ bhavet

Translation

Cualquier pecado que se acumule a quien mantiene peces dentro del hogar durante seis meses—sabe que la misma medida de demérito surge en un solo día cuando el agua que se usa permanece impura.

Word by Word

• मत्स्य-गृह्यस्य: of one who keeps fish in the house

• यत्-पापम्: whatever sin

• षण्मास-अभ्यन्तरे: within six months

• भवेत्: would arise

• एक-अहम्: one day

• तत्-समम्: equal to that

• ज्ञेयम्: should be known/understood

• अपूतम्: unpurified/uncleansed

• यत्-जलम्: whatever water

• भवेत्: is/comes to be

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating Purana injunctions to the sages of Naimisharanya)

FAQs

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

It elevates jala-śuddhi (purified water) as essential for Linga-pūjā, warning that using impure water quickly accumulates pāpa and obstructs the efficacy of worship.

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

By implication, Shiva as Pati is supremely pure (śuddha); approaching Him through the Linga requires the sādhaka (pashu) to reduce pasha (impurity/bondage) through disciplined śauca and correct ritual means.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Ritual śauca—especially purification and proper handling of water for abhiṣeka and daily worship—underscoring that external purity supports inner Pāśupata discipline.