Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 36
शिवविहारवर्णनम् (Śivavihāra-varṇana) — “Description of Śiva’s Divine Pastimes/Sojourn”
हरिश्चन्द्रो हालिकं च वृषल्यासह संयुतम् । चारयामास निश्चेष्टं निर्जनं तत्फलं शृणु
hariścandro hālikaṃ ca vṛṣalyāsaha saṃyutam | cārayāmāsa niśceṣṭaṃ nirjanaṃ tatphalaṃ śṛṇu
Le roi Hariścandra chassa aussi Hālika—avec la vṛṣalyā (la femme hors caste) qui lui était associée—le rendant impuissant et l’envoyant en un lieu désert. Écoute maintenant le fruit (résultat) de cet acte.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
FAQs
The verse highlights karma-phala (the inevitable fruit of actions) and the Shaiva ethical emphasis that right conduct and right association shape one’s spiritual destiny; the narrator prepares the listener to understand the consequence that follows from Hariścandra’s decisive act.
Though the verse is narrative, it supports Saguna Shiva devotion indirectly: in the Shiva Purana, moral discipline and purification of one’s life are repeatedly presented as supportive conditions for fruitful Shiva-bhakti and for receiving grace through Linga worship.
The takeaway is inner and outer śuddhi (purification): maintain sāttvika conduct, avoid harmful associations, and reinforce Shiva-oriented discipline through daily japa of the Panchākṣarī mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and, where appropriate, Tripuṇḍra-bhasma as a reminder of renunciation.