Shloka 23
Arjuna–Gaṇa Saṃvāda: Bāṇādhikāra, Tāpasa-veṣa, and the Ethics of Tapas (अर्जुन-गणसंवादः)
तस्मात्ते च तथा स्वामी भविष्यति भवादृशः । दातारश्च वयं प्रोक्ताश्चौरा यूयं वनेचराः
tasmātte ca tathā svāmī bhaviṣyati bhavādṛśaḥ | dātāraśca vayaṃ proktāścaurā yūyaṃ vanecarāḥ
それゆえ汝らの上にも、汝らに似た主が必ず現れよう。我らは「与える者」と称され、汝ら森に住む者どもは「盗む者」と宣せられるのだ。」
Suta Goswami (narrating the episode to the sages of Naimisharanya; the quoted line is spoken by a character within the narrative, preserved through Suta’s narration)
Tattva Level: pasha
FAQs
It underscores dharma as a cosmic order upheld under Shiva’s sovereignty: those who live by giving and righteousness are distinguished from those who live by taking unlawfully, and karmic governance ensures accountability (a “master” over the lawless).
Saguna Shiva as the Lord (Svāmī) represents moral governance and protection of dharma; linga-worship is not merely ritual but aligns the devotee’s conduct with Shiva’s order—truthfulness, non-stealing, and rightful livelihood.
Practice self-restraint and purification alongside Shiva-upasana—daily japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with vibhuti (tripundra) as a reminder to renounce theft, greed, and harmful taking.