Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 66
पाशुपतव्रतविधिः | The Procedure of the Supreme Pāśupata Vow
पाखण्डिपतितोदक्यास्सूतकान्त्यजपूर्वकान् । वर्जयेत्सर्वयत्नेन मनसा कर्मणा गिरा
pākhaṇḍipatitodakyāssūtakāntyajapūrvakān | varjayetsarvayatnena manasā karmaṇā girā
Dengan pikiran, perbuatan, dan ucapan, hendaknya seseorang dengan segenap upaya menghindari kaum sesat, yang jatuh, mereka yang airnya dianggap tidak suci, yang berada dalam ketidakmurnian kelahiran/kematian, serta kaum terbuang seperti caṇḍāla; sebab pergaulan demikian menghalangi kemurnian dan keteguhan di jalan Śiva.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Bhairava
Sthala Purana: Ethical-ritual boundary setting rather than a site legend; emphasizes saṅga-tyāga (avoidance of spiritually disruptive association) for maintaining Śaiva śuddhi.
Significance: Teaches saṃskāra-śuddhi and steadiness in vrata; protects sādhaka from dharma-bhraṃśa and mental agitation.
FAQs
It teaches that a Śiva-bhakta must guard inner and outer purity—mind, speech, and action—because harmful association strengthens pasha (bondage) and destabilizes devotion, whereas careful conduct supports steadiness in worship and realization.
Linga worship emphasizes śauca (purity) and ekāgratā (one-pointedness). Avoiding disruptive company and ritual impurity protects the sanctity of pūjā and helps the devotee remain focused on Saguna Śiva, through whom grace leads beyond bondage.
Maintain disciplined conduct during Śiva-pūjā and vrata: keep pure company, restrain speech, and avoid contact that creates ritual impurity; then perform japa (e.g., Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and worship with a steady, uncontaminated mind.