Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 34
सत्याः पुनस्तपश्चर्या — Satī’s Return to Austerity (Tapas) and Fearless Liṅga-Worship
ब्रह्मोवाच । एतावता किमर्थेन तीव्रं देवि तपः कृतम् । स्वेच्छैव किमपर्याप्ता क्रीडेयं हि तवेदृशी
brahmovāca | etāvatā kimarthena tīvraṃ devi tapaḥ kṛtam | svecchaiva kimaparyāptā krīḍeyaṃ hi tavedṛśī
ബ്രഹ്മാവ് പറഞ്ഞു—ഹേ ദേവീ, ഇത്രത്തോളം നിങ്ങൾ എന്തിനാണ് ഇങ്ങനെ കഠിനമായ തപസ് ചെയ്തത്? നിങ്ങളുടെ സ്വേച്ഛ മാത്രം മതിയല്ലേ? ഇത്തരത്തിലുള്ള ലീല നിങ്ങളെ തന്നെയാണ് ശോഭിപ്പിക്കുന്നത്.
Brahma
Tattva Level: pashu
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse contrasts divine spontaneity (svecchā) with deliberate discipline (tapas), highlighting that austerity is not mere self-torment but a purposeful spiritual resolve that can serve a higher cosmic intention and the unfolding of grace.
By questioning the need for severe tapas, the text implicitly points to a key Shaiva theme: realization and divine union are supported by both devotion and disciplined practice—often expressed through Saguna worship such as Linga-upāsanā—rather than relying only on personal inclination.
The verse foregrounds tapas as focused spiritual practice; a practical takeaway is sustained japa (especially the Panchakshara, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with disciplined vows and contemplative restraint, undertaken with clear intent rather than as mere display.