मत्प्रियं च शिवं चैव क्रमेणाप्यक्रमेण वा । तथापि मम भक्ता ये नात्यंतविवशाः पुनः
matpriyaṃ ca śivaṃ caiva krameṇāpyakrameṇa vā | tathāpi mama bhaktā ye nātyaṃtavivaśāḥ punaḥ
彼らが我に愛しきもの、またシヴァに愛しきものを礼拝するにしても—順序立ててであれ、定まった次第なくであれ—それでも我が भक्तたちは、束縛と迷妄の前にまったく無力というわけではない。
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Role: nurturing
Offering: pushpa
The verse affirms that sincere devotion to Shiva (Pati) protects the soul (paśu) from becoming completely overpowered by pasha (bondage), even when worship is performed imperfectly or without strict procedural order.
It supports Saguna Shiva worship (such as Linga-puja) by emphasizing bhakti as the essential principle: even if offerings and steps are not perfectly sequenced, devotion directed to Shiva remains spiritually effective and safeguards the devotee.
Prioritize steady bhakti—japa of the Panchakshara ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya"), simple Linga worship, and inner remembrance—without anxiety over perfect ritual order; sincerity and continuity are highlighted over rigidity.