Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 53
नारदतपोवर्णनम्
Nārada’s Austerities Described
कथं कामविकारी स्या जन्मना विकृतस्सुधीः । इत्याद्युक्तं वचो भूरि श्रुत्वा स मुनिसत्तमः
kathaṃ kāmavikārī syā janmanā vikṛtassudhīḥ | ityādyuktaṃ vaco bhūri śrutvā sa munisattamaḥ
「真の賢者がいかにして欲望により変質し、また生まれによって歪められ得ようか」といった多くの言葉を長く聞き、その最勝の牟尼は深く注意して聴き入った。
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It highlights the Shaiva insight that true wisdom is not essentially deformed by desire or circumstances of birth; bondage is a passing modification, while the aim is steadiness of discernment that turns toward Shiva (Pati) for liberation.
By questioning how desire can distort the wise, the text points to the need for anchoring the mind in Shiva’s presence; Linga worship and Saguna Shiva devotion stabilize awareness, reducing kama-driven fluctuations and orienting the seeker toward the transcendent.
A practical takeaway is daily japa of the Panchakshara (“Om Namah Shivaya”) with disciplined restraint of the senses; this supports inner purity so desire does not become a ‘vikara’ that obscures devotion and discernment.