Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 12
पशुपाशपतिज्ञान-प्राप्तिः
Acquisition of Paśupati–Pāśa Knowledge
अजडं च जडं चैव नियंतृ च तयोरपि । पशुः पाशः पतिश्चेति कथ्यते तत्त्रयं क्रमात्
ajaḍaṃ ca jaḍaṃ caiva niyaṃtṛ ca tayorapi | paśuḥ pāśaḥ patiśceti kathyate tattrayaṃ kramāt
Jiwa yang sedar (bukan yang tidak bernyawa), prinsip yang tidak bernyawa, dan Penguasa bagi kedua-duanya—tiga ini diajarkan menurut tertib sebagai Paśu (jiwa terikat), Pāśa (ikatan), dan Pati (Tuhan Yang Maha Menguasai).
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
FAQs
It defines the core Shaiva Siddhanta framework: the soul (paśu) is conscious yet bound, bondage (pāśa) is the insentient limiting factor, and Śiva (pati) alone is the supreme ruler who grants release when the bonds are removed.
By identifying Śiva as Pati—the controller beyond soul and matter—it supports Saguna worship (Linga, mantra, pūjā) as a practical means to approach the transcendent Lord who alone can sever pāśa and bestow mokṣa.
Contemplate the triad during japa of the Pañcākṣarī ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya"), affirming oneself as paśu seeking Śiva (pati); support the practice with Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrākṣa as aids to steady devotion and inner discipline.