Adhyaya 33: Pashupata Conduct, Bhasma-Vrata, and Shiva’s Boon to the Sages
न हसेन्नाप्रियं ब्रूयाद् अमुत्रेह हितार्थवान् यस्तान्निन्दति मूढात्मा महादेवं स निन्दति
na hasennāpriyaṃ brūyād amutreha hitārthavān yastānnindati mūḍhātmā mahādevaṃ sa nindati
Demi kebaikan di dunia ini dan di alam sana, jangan mengejek dan jangan mengucap kata yang menyakitkan. Si dungu yang mencela mereka (para bhakta dan laku Śaiva) sesungguhnya mencela Mahadewa sendiri.
Suta Goswami (narrating dharma-teachings within the Linga Purana discourse)
It sets a core rule of Śaiva pūjā: purity of speech and non-mockery. In Linga-worship, disrespect toward Śiva’s devotees and dharma is treated as direct offense to Mahādeva, obstructing puṇya and spiritual progress.
It implies Śiva’s immanence as Pati: He is intimately connected with His bhaktas and the Śaiva path. To attack them is to attack Śiva-tattva itself, since the Lord upholds and pervades the means of liberation.
Sadācāra as a prerequisite for Śiva-sādhana: disciplined speech (vāg-yama) and avoidance of nindā/aparādha. This ethical restraint supports Pāśupata-style practice by reducing pāśa (bondage) formed through harmful actions and words.