Shloka 25
द्विजेश्वरावतारः
The Manifestation of Shiva as Dvijeśvara
क्षत्रस्यायं परो धर्मो क्षताच्च परिरक्षणम् । तस्मिन्कुलोचिते धर्मे नष्टे त्वज्जीवितेन किम्
kṣatrasyāyaṃ paro dharmo kṣatācca parirakṣaṇam | tasminkulocite dharme naṣṭe tvajjīvitena kim
Bagi seorang kṣatriya, dharma yang tertinggi ialah melindungi daripada kecederaan dan memelihara negeri. Jika kewajipan yang sesuai dengan keturunanmu itu telah lenyap, apakah nilai hidupmu sendiri?
Suta Goswami (narrating the Shatarudra Samhita dialogue to the sages at Naimisharanya, conveying a kshatriya counsel within the story)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
It teaches that dharma is not optional—especially for those born to protect others. In a Shaiva Siddhanta lens, fulfilling one’s rightful duty purifies the soul (paśu) and makes it fit to receive Shiva’s grace, whereas abandoning dharma strengthens bondage (pāśa).
Linga-worship is not mere ritual; it is grounded in ethical life. This verse insists that devotion to Saguna Shiva must be supported by righteous conduct—here, the kshatriya’s vow to protect—so worship becomes an offering of one’s role and responsibility to Shiva.
The takeaway is to combine duty with Shiva-remembrance: perform daily japa of the Panchakshara ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") before action and dedicate protection/service as a mental offering to Shiva; if initiated, accompany it with Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and a steady vow of non-neglect of rightful duty.