Shloka 16

सामान्यतो नरकगतिवर्णनम्

General Description of the Course of Hell / Naraka-gati

Devanagari script

यातनाश्च महत्योऽत्र शरीरस्याति सर्वतः । निश्शेषनरकेष्वेवं क्रमंति क्रमशो नराः

Transliteration

yātanāśca mahatyo'tra śarīrasyāti sarvataḥ | niśśeṣanarakeṣvevaṃ kramaṃti kramaśo narāḥ

Translation

Di sini, siksaan besar menyerang tubuh dari segala arah. Demikianlah manusia melangkah setahap demi setahap melalui semua neraka tanpa tersisa satu pun.

Word by Word

yātanāḥtorments

caand

mahatyaḥgreat

atrahere

śarīrasyaof the body

atiexcessively/very

sarvataḥon all sides/everywhere

niśśeṣa-narakeṣuin all the hells (without remainder)

evamthus

kramantiproceed/go

kramaśaḥstep by step/gradually

narāḥmen/people

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Shaiva Theology

Tattva Level: pasha

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in the Shiva Purana?

It underscores the inevitability of karmic retribution: the bound soul (paśu), driven by its deeds, undergoes intense suffering until impurities and demerit are exhausted—pointing to the need for turning toward Pati (Shiva) through dharma and devotion.

How does this verse relate to the worship of the Linga or Saguna Shiva?

By highlighting the misery of bondage, it implicitly directs the seeker toward Saguna Shiva worship—Linga-sevā, mantra, and devotion—as purifying means that reorient the soul away from sin and toward Shiva’s grace, which leads beyond naraka and rebirth.

What ritualistic or meditative practice is suggested here?

A practical takeaway is regular Panchakshara japa ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") with repentance and disciplined conduct; supporting Shaiva observances like Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrākṣa are traditionally upheld as aids to purity and steadiness of mind.