Shloka 14

Varṇa-adhikāra, Karma, and the Protection of One’s Attained Spiritual Status (वर्णाधिकारः कर्म च स्वस्थानरक्षणम्)

Devanagari script

सर्वातिथ्यं त्रिवर्गस्य भूतेभ्यो दीयतामिति । गोब्राह्मणात्मनोऽर्थं हि संग्रामाभिहतो भवेत्

Transliteration

sarvātithyaṃ trivargasya bhūtebhyo dīyatāmiti | gobrāhmaṇātmano'rthaṃ hi saṃgrāmābhihato bhavet

Translation

«Que l’hospitalité entière, qui soutient les trois buts de la vie, soit offerte à tous les êtres.» En vérité, pour la protection des vaches, des brahmanes et de son propre soi intérieur, on peut même être frappé et tomber au combat, acceptant épreuve et sacrifice.

Word by Word

सर्वातिथ्यम्hospitality to all

त्रिवर्गस्यof the threefold aims (dharma-artha-kāma)

भूतेभ्यःto living beings

दीयताम्let (it) be given

इतिthus

गोब्राह्मणात्मनःof cows and Brahmins

अर्थम्for the sake/purpose

हिindeed

संग्रामाभिहतःslain/struck in battle

भवेत्would be/become

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating the teaching within Umāsaṃhitā)

Shaiva Theology

Tattva Level: pashu

Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha

Ritual Elements

Offering: naivedya

Characters & Entities

Brahmins

Cows

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in the Shiva Purana?

It frames universal hospitality and compassion toward all beings as a dharmic foundation that purifies the soul (ātman) and supports the balanced pursuit of life’s aims, aligning the devotee with Shiva’s grace through selfless conduct.

How does this verse relate to the worship of the Linga or Saguna Shiva?

Linga-worship is not merely ritual; it is fulfilled by Shiva-pleasing virtues—seva, protection of the innocent, and honoring Brahmins and sacred cows—so outer pūjā and inner dharma become one Saguna expression of devotion.

What ritualistic or meditative practice is suggested here?

Practice daily seva as an offering to Shiva: feed guests and beings, give anna-dāna, and mentally dedicate the act with japa of “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” treating compassion as a living extension of pūjā.