Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 17
तारकवाक्य-शक्रविष्णुवीरभद्रयुद्धवर्णनम् — Account of Tāraka’s declarations and the battle involving Śakra (Indra), Viṣṇu, and Vīrabhadra
पुरैताभ्यां कृतं कर्म विरुद्धं वेदमार्गतः । तच्छृणुध्वं मया प्रोक्तं वर्णयामि विशेषतः
puraitābhyāṃ kṛtaṃ karma viruddhaṃ vedamārgataḥ | tacchṛṇudhvaṃ mayā proktaṃ varṇayāmi viśeṣataḥ
પૂર્વે તે બે જણાએ કરેલું કર્મ વેદમાર્ગના વિરુદ્ધ હતું. મારી વાત સાંભળો—હવે હું તેને તમને વિશેષ રીતે વર્ણવી કહું છું.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
FAQs
It highlights that spiritual progress in Shaiva dharma depends on aligning one’s actions with śāstra and the Vedic path; deeds opposed to dharma become obstacles (pāśa) rather than aids to grace (anugraha).
Linga-worship is presented in the Purana as śāstric and purifying; this verse sets a contrast—ritual or conduct that violates the Vedic framework lacks the sanctifying orientation needed for proper Saguna Shiva worship.
The practical takeaway is śāstra-anusaraṇa—performing Shiva worship and vows in a Vedic, disciplined manner (e.g., mantra-japa like the Panchakshara with purity and right conduct), avoiding adharmic or unprescribed acts.