Shloka 20

उपलेपनादिकथनम्

Vastraputa-jala, Ahimsa, and Conduct in Shiva Worship

Devanagari script

मलिना रूपवत्यश् च विरूपा मलिनांबराः न हन्तव्याः सदा मर्त्यैः शिववच्छङ्कया तथा

Transliteration

malinā rūpavatyaś ca virūpā malināṃbarāḥ na hantavyāḥ sadā martyaiḥ śivavacchaṅkayā tathā

Translation

അവർ അശുദ്ധരോ സുന്ദരികളോ വിരൂപരോ മുഷിഞ്ഞ വസ്ത്രം ധരിച്ചവരോ ആകട്ടെ, മനുഷ്യർ അവരെ ഒരിക്കലും കൊല്ലാൻ പാടില്ല; എന്തെന്നാൽ അവരെ ശിവനെപ്പോലെ ബഹുമാനത്തോടെ കാണണം.

Word by Word

• मलिनाः: unclean/soiled

• रूपवत्यः: beautiful women/figures (possessing form/beauty)

• च: and

• विरूपाः: deformed/ugly/misshapen

• मलिनाम्बराः: wearing dirty garments

• न: not

• हन्तव्याः: to be killed/should be slain

• सदा: always

• मर्त्यैः: by mortals

• शिववत्: like Shiva/as Shiva

• शङ्कया: with apprehension/reverential fear/suspicion

• तथा: thus/in that manner

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating the ethical teaching within the Linga Purana discourse)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It frames Linga-centered Shaiva dharma as compassion and restraint: the devotee honors Shiva not only in the Linga but also by practicing ahimsa and reverential caution toward beings who may embody or be protected by Shiva.

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

It implies Shiva’s transcendence of external purity/impurity and appearance—Shiva-tattva can be present or operative even where the eye sees only the “malina” or “virūpa,” urging the pashu (bound soul) to act with humility before Pati.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A practical limb of Pashupata discipline is emphasized: ahimsa and vigilant reverence (śiva-bhāva) in conduct—training perception to see beyond form and to avoid actions that deepen pāśa (bondage).