Shloka 4
पुराणविदः महिमा तथा अध्ययन-अध्यापन-दानफलम्
The Glory of the Purāṇa-Knower and the Fruits of Study, Teaching, and Giving
तप्यमानं सदाज्ञानान्निरये योऽपि शास्त्रतः । सम्बोधयति लोकं तं तस्मात्पूज्यः पुराणगः
tapyamānaṃ sadājñānānniraye yo'pi śāstrataḥ | sambodhayati lokaṃ taṃ tasmātpūjyaḥ purāṇagaḥ
Aun quien es atormentado en el infierno por la ignorancia constante—si, conforme a las escrituras, despierta e instruye al pueblo—por esa misma razón, el conocedor de los Purāṇas es digno de adoración.
Suta Goswami (narrating Purāṇic doctrine to the sages, as typical of Purāṇa discourse)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Bhairava
Significance: Highlights salvific pedagogy: even one suffering ‘naraka’ due to ajñāna becomes venerable by awakening others through śāstra; aligns with Siddhānta’s emphasis that grace (anugraha) operates through instruction that turns souls from bondage toward Śiva.
Role: liberating
Cosmic Event: naraka (hell) as moral-cosmic condition due to ajñāna (not a specific eschatological event, but a didactic cosmic setting).
FAQs
It teaches that ajñāna (ignorance) is a binding pāśa that leads to suffering, but śāstric awakening (right instruction grounded in scripture) liberates; therefore, one who conveys Purāṇic truth becomes worthy of reverence.
By honoring the Purāṇa-knower who awakens society, devotees are guided toward correct Shaiva practice—devotion to Saguna Shiva through Linga-worship—supported by śāstra rather than mere opinion, leading toward purification and grace.
The practical takeaway is to seek śāstric upadeśa, listen to Purāṇa recitation (śravaṇa), and honor the teacher; this supports disciplined japa (e.g., Panchākṣarī ‘Om Namaḥ Śivāya’) and steady Shaiva sādhanā.