Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 66
पाशुपतव्रतविधिः | The Procedure of the Supreme Pāśupata Vow
पाखण्डिपतितोदक्यास्सूतकान्त्यजपूर्वकान् । वर्जयेत्सर्वयत्नेन मनसा कर्मणा गिरा
pākhaṇḍipatitodakyāssūtakāntyajapūrvakān | varjayetsarvayatnena manasā karmaṇā girā
Avec tous les efforts, qu’on évite—par la pensée, par l’acte et par la parole—les hérétiques, les déchus, ceux dont l’eau est rituellement impure, ceux qui sont sous l’impureté de naissance ou de mort (sūtaka), et ceux qui commencent par l’exclu de caste; car une telle fréquentation entrave la pureté et la stabilité sur la voie de Śiva.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Bhairava
Sthala Purana: Ethical-ritual boundary setting rather than a site legend; emphasizes saṅga-tyāga (avoidance of spiritually disruptive association) for maintaining Śaiva śuddhi.
Significance: Teaches saṃskāra-śuddhi and steadiness in vrata; protects sādhaka from dharma-bhraṃśa and mental agitation.
FAQs
It teaches that a Śiva-bhakta must guard inner and outer purity—mind, speech, and action—because harmful association strengthens pasha (bondage) and destabilizes devotion, whereas careful conduct supports steadiness in worship and realization.
Linga worship emphasizes śauca (purity) and ekāgratā (one-pointedness). Avoiding disruptive company and ritual impurity protects the sanctity of pūjā and helps the devotee remain focused on Saguna Śiva, through whom grace leads beyond bondage.
Maintain disciplined conduct during Śiva-pūjā and vrata: keep pure company, restrain speech, and avoid contact that creates ritual impurity; then perform japa (e.g., Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and worship with a steady, uncontaminated mind.