Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 61
पशुपाशपतिज्ञान-प्राप्तिः
Acquisition of Paśupati–Pāśa Knowledge
ब्रह्माद्याः स्थावरांतश्च पशवः परिकीर्तिताः । पशूनामेव सर्वेषां प्रोक्तमेतन्निदर्शनम्
brahmādyāḥ sthāvarāṃtaśca paśavaḥ parikīrtitāḥ | paśūnāmeva sarveṣāṃ proktametannidarśanam
De Brahmā jusqu’aux êtres immobiles, tous sont déclarés paśu, des âmes liées. Ceci est énoncé comme illustration au sujet de tous les paśu—montrant que tout être incarné, du plus élevé au plus humble, demeure enchaîné sans la grâce libératrice de Pati (le Seigneur Śiva).
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Role: liberating
FAQs
It universalizes bondage: even exalted beings like Brahmā are termed paśu when conditioned by pasha (limitations such as karma, ignorance, and finitude). Liberation is not a mere rank in creation but comes through the saving knowledge and grace of Pati—Lord Śiva.
By calling all beings paśu, the verse points to the need for refuge in Pati, who is worshipped in the Linga as the accessible Saguna form of the transcendent Nirguna Śiva. Linga-worship becomes the practical means for the bound soul to turn toward Śiva’s grace and release.
The takeaway is surrender and purification: daily Linga-pūjā with the Panchākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” accompanied by inner contemplation on being a paśu seeking Pati’s grace; where applicable, wearing Rudrākṣa and applying Tripuṇḍra as reminders of Śiva-oriented discipline.