Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 1
पञ्चाक्षरमाहात्म्यम् / The Greatness of the Pañcākṣarī (Five-Syllable) Mantra
उपमन्युरुवाच । ब्रह्मघ्नो वा सुरापो वा स्तेयीवा गुरुतल्पगः । मातृहा पितृहा वापि वीरहा भ्रूणहापि वा
upamanyuruvāca | brahmaghno vā surāpo vā steyīvā gurutalpagaḥ | mātṛhā pitṛhā vāpi vīrahā bhrūṇahāpi vā
ウパマニュは言った。「婆羅門を殺す者であれ、酒に溺れる者であれ、盗人であれ、師の床を汚す者であれ、また母殺し・父殺し、勇士殺し、さらには胎児を滅する者であれ—（そのような者でさえ、ここで語られている）。」
Upamanyu
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Sthala Purana: Not tied to a jyotirliṅga; it introduces the extremity of pāpa (mahāpātaka) to highlight the reach of Śiva’s salvific power in the subsequent verses.
Significance: Sets the ethical and karmic backdrop: even grave transgressions (mahāpātakas) are not beyond Śiva’s redemptive path when approached correctly.
FAQs
The verse lists the gravest transgressions to emphasize the depth of bondage (pāśa) that can bind the soul, preparing the teaching that Shiva’s grace and right Shaiva practice can purify even extreme demerit and turn the soul toward liberation.
By naming severe sins, the text frames Shiva—worshiped as the Linga and as Saguna Lord—as the compassionate Pati whose worship, devotion, and surrender can cleanse the devotee and restore dharmic alignment.
The implied takeaway is sincere repentance joined with Shaiva upāsanā—especially japa of the Panchākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), reverent Linga-pūjā, and purificatory observances such as bhasma (tripuṇḍra) and disciplined conduct.