Shloka 22
अविमुक्तक्षेत्रमाहात्म्य
The Greatness of Avimukta–Vārāṇasī and Viśveśvara
महत्क्षेत्रमिदं तस्मादविमुक्तमिति स्मृतम् । सर्वेभ्यो नैमिषादिभ्यः परं मोक्षप्रदं मृते
mahatkṣetramidaṃ tasmādavimuktamiti smṛtam | sarvebhyo naimiṣādibhyaḥ paraṃ mokṣapradaṃ mṛte
Ainsi, ce lieu est un kṣetra sacré d’une grandeur suprême, connu sous le nom d’Avimukta. Au-delà de tous les lieux saints tels que Naimiṣa et les autres, il est le plus haut dispensateur de délivrance pour celui qui y meurt.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva Purana teachings to the sages at Naimisharanya, within the Kotirudra Samhita context)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Pashupatinatha
FAQs
This verse declares Avimukta (Kashi) as the supreme kṣetra where Śiva’s liberating grace is especially accessible; dying there is described as uniquely conducive to mokṣa, surpassing even famed tīrthas like Naimiṣa.
Avimukta is revered as a place ‘never abandoned’ by Śiva, emphasizing Saguna Śiva’s compassionate presence in a specific sacred geography; Linga-worship and pilgrimage there are understood as direct approaches to Śiva’s saving grace.
The practical takeaway is to seek Śiva-sānnidhya through pilgrimage, Linga-darśana, japa of Śiva’s names (especially the Pañcākṣarī, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), and dying with remembrance of Śiva in Avimukta for liberation.