Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 53
हिरण्यनेत्रस्य तपः — Hiraṇyanetra’s Austerity and the Boon
जरद्गवारोहणमप्रशस्तं क्षमावतस्तस्य न दर्शनं च । संध्याप्रणामः क्वचिदेष धर्मः क्व भोजनं लोकविरुद्धमेतत्
jaradgavārohaṇamapraśastaṃ kṣamāvatastasya na darśanaṃ ca | saṃdhyāpraṇāmaḥ kvacideṣa dharmaḥ kva bhojanaṃ lokaviruddhametat
« Monter un taureau âgé n’est point louable ; et il ne convient même pas de regarder celui qui se dit patient et vertueux de la sorte. Où est la discipline des prosternations de la sandhyā au temps du crépuscule ? Et que signifie cette manière de manger, contraire aux usages du monde ? Tout cela va contre la conduite admise. »
Suta Goswami (narrating the Yuddhakhaṇḍa account to the sages at Naimisharanya, conveying a character’s censure within the battle narrative)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
FAQs
It condemns hypocrisy—claiming virtues like kṣamā (forbearance) while living in a way that violates dharma—teaching that spiritual life must be consistent in conduct, discipline, and integrity.
Linga-worship in the Shiva Purana emphasizes purity of intention and disciplined living; this verse underscores that devotion to Saguna Shiva is not mere display but must be supported by right conduct (sadācāra) and regular sacred observances.
Regular saṃdhyā-prayer with reverent praṇāma (bowing) and mindful restraint in food and habits—aligning daily discipline with devotion, as a foundation for Shiva-bhakti.