Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 9
काम्यकर्मविभागः — Taxonomy of Kāmya (Desire-Motivated) Śaiva Rites
शिवाश्रिता हि ते शैवा ज्ञानयज्ञरता नराः । माहेश्वरास्समाख्याता कर्मयज्ञरता भुवि
śivāśritā hi te śaivā jñānayajñaratā narāḥ | māheśvarāssamākhyātā karmayajñaratā bhuvi
जे शिवाच्या आश्रयाला आहेत आणि ज्ञानयज्ञात मग्न आहेत, ते शैव आहेत. या पृथ्वीवर जे कर्मयज्ञात रत आहेत, त्यांना माहेश्वर म्हणतात।
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva’s teachings in the Vāyavīya Saṃhitā context)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse distinguishes two Shaiva orientations: inner worship as jñāna-yajña (self-purifying knowledge leading toward liberation under Shiva’s grace) and outer worship as karma-yajña (right ritual action and duty). Both are framed as Shiva-centered paths, with refuge in Shiva as the foundation.
Karma-yajña aligns with Saguna Shiva worship through prescribed rites—such as Linga-pūjā, offerings, and observances—performed as sacred duty. Jñāna-yajña points to the inward assimilation of Shiva-tattva (Shiva as Pati) where ritual matures into contemplative realization, without rejecting devotional forms.
Karma-yajña suggests disciplined Shiva worship (daily Linga-pūjā, vrata, and offerings). Jñāna-yajña suggests meditation on Shiva and mantra-japa (especially the Panchākṣarī, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) as an inner sacrifice that refines awareness toward moksha.