Shloka 24
नरकनामनिर्णयः
Catalogue of Narakas and Karmic Causes
वर्णाश्रमविरुद्धं च कर्म कुर्वंति ये नराः । कर्मणा मनसा वाचा निरये तु पतंति ते
varṇāśramaviruddhaṃ ca karma kurvaṃti ye narāḥ | karmaṇā manasā vācā niraye tu pataṃti te
जो मनुष्य अपने वर्ण और आश्रम के विरुद्ध कर्म करते हैं—कर्म से, मन से और वाणी से—वे निश्चय ही नरक में गिरते हैं।
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Role: teaching
FAQs
It teaches that dharma is not merely external behavior: when one violates rightful duty in action, thought, and speech, the soul becomes further bound by pāśa (karmic bondage), delaying Shiva-realization and leading to painful consequences.
Linga-worship is meant to purify and liberate; this verse stresses that devotion must be supported by ethical order (dharma). Without restraint in mind, speech, and conduct, worship becomes weakened and the karmic fruits remain binding.
Cultivate tri-karaṇa-śuddhi (purity of body, mind, and speech) alongside daily Shiva practices—japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), vibhūti/tripundra, and mindful self-restraint—so devotion matures toward liberation.