Shloka 54
Pratyakṣa–Āgama–Ācāra: Doubt, Proof, and the Practice of Dharma (प्रत्यक्ष–आगम–आचारविचारः)
चीर्व्वा द्वादशवर्षाणि दीक्षामेतां मनोगताम् | अरणीसपितं स्कन्धे बद्ध्वा गच्छत्यनावृत:
cīrvvā dvādaśavarṣāṇi dīkṣām etāṁ manogatām | araṇīsapitaṁ skandhe baddhvā gacchaty anāvṛtaḥ ||
बारह वर्षों तक इस मनोगत दीक्षा का पालन करके, वह अरणि सहित समिधा को कंधे पर बाँधकर, बिना पीछे देखे आगे बढ़ जाता है।
श्रीमहेश्वर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness in dharma: a vow (dīkṣā) must be sustained over time with inner resolve (manogatā) and outward discipline, proceeding without wavering (anāvṛtaḥ).
Maheśvara describes an ascetic/ritual practitioner who, after maintaining a twelve-year consecrated observance, departs carrying the ritual implements for fire (araṇi and kindling) on his shoulder, symbolizing readiness for sacred rite and unwavering commitment.