Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 51
ध्यानप्रकारनिर्णयः / Determination of the Modes of Meditation
on Śrīkaṇṭha-Śiva
रोगाद्यैर्वाथ विवशः शिवक्षेत्रं समाश्रितः । म्रियते यदि सोप्येवं मुच्यते नात्र संशयः
rogādyairvātha vivaśaḥ śivakṣetraṃ samāśritaḥ | mriyate yadi sopyevaṃ mucyate nātra saṃśayaḥ
Bahkan bila seseorang tak berdaya oleh penyakit dan derita lain, lalu berlindung di kṣetra suci Śiva, jika ia wafat di sana dalam keadaan demikian, ia pun terbebaskan; tiada keraguan.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Vayu Samhita teaching to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Sthala Purana: General kṣetra-māhātmya logic: taking refuge (samāśraya) in a Śiva-kṣetra, even when helpless from illness, yields liberation if death occurs there—emphasizing the kṣetra as a locus of Śiva’s grace.
Significance: Promises mokṣa for dying in a Śiva-kṣetra, underscoring pilgrimage as a grace-field (anugraha-kṣetra) especially for the afflicted.
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It teaches that Shiva’s grace operates even when a person is powerless—mere refuge in Shiva’s kṣetra at life’s end can dissolve bondage (pāśa) and grant release, emphasizing Shiva as Pati, the liberating Lord.
A Shiva-kṣetra is centered on Saguna Shiva worship—often through the Linga—where surrender, remembrance, and proximity to Shiva’s consecrated presence become channels for grace leading toward moksha.
Take refuge in Shiva through pilgrimage or inner surrender, and maintain Shiva-smaraṇa (remembrance) with simple practices like japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and reverent worship; the verse highlights refuge more than physical capability.