Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 20
सतीकृतप्रार्थना तथा परतत्त्वजिज्ञासा — Satī’s Prayer and Inquiry into the Supreme Principle
विहिताविहिताभेदात्तामनेकां विदुर्बुधाः । तयोर्बहुविधत्वाच्च तत्त्वं त्वन्यत्र वर्णितम्
vihitāvihitābhedāttāmanekāṃ vidurbudhāḥ | tayorbahuvidhatvācca tattvaṃ tvanyatra varṇitam
En raison de la distinction entre ce qui est prescrit et ce qui est interdit, les sages savent que cette discipline/observance revêt de nombreuses formes. Et puisque l’une et l’autre sont de maintes sortes, leur principe véritable a été expliqué ailleurs.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Īśāna
FAQs
It teaches discernment: spiritual life in Shaiva dharma requires knowing what supports Shiva-realization (vihita) and what obstructs it (avihita). The verse stresses that practices vary, but their guiding principle is to reduce bondage (pāśa) and orient the soul (paśu) toward the Lord (Pati).
Linga/Saguna worship is rule-guided—purity, mantra, offerings, and conduct are typically vihita, while disrespect, impurity, or prohibited actions are avihita. The verse notes that these rules have many subtypes, and their deeper rationale is explained elsewhere: to make worship steady, reverent, and transformative.
The takeaway is disciplined observance: follow prescribed Shaiva practices such as japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and maintain ritual purity, while avoiding prohibited actions that disturb devotion and inner clarity.