Shloka 20
पार्थिवप्रतिमापूजाविधानम्
Pārthiva-pratimā Pūjā-vidhāna — Procedure for Worship of an Earthen Icon
तदवांतरलोके च यथेष्टं भोग्यमाप्यते । तद्विशेषान्प्रवक्ष्यामि शृणुत श्रद्धया द्विजाः
tadavāṃtaraloke ca yatheṣṭaṃ bhogyamāpyate | tadviśeṣānpravakṣyāmi śṛṇuta śraddhayā dvijāḥ
Dan di alam-alam perantaraan itu, seseorang memperoleh kenikmatan menurut kehendak dan pahala kebajikannya. Kini akan aku jelaskan perbezaan-perbezaan khususnya—dengarlah dengan penuh śraddhā, wahai para dvija.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Sthala Purana: Introduces ‘avāntara-loka’ (intermediate realms) where bhoga is experienced per merit/desire; sets up a taxonomy of post-mortem destinations rather than a site-specific legend.
Significance: Didactic: encourages śraddhā and right orientation—seeking higher ends than transient bhoga; in Siddhānta terms, bhoga in lokas remains within pāśa (bondage) unless turned toward Śiva’s anugraha.
FAQs
It teaches that post-death experiences in intermediate realms are governed by one’s karma and desires, and it prepares the listener to discern these temporary fruits from the higher Shaiva goal—liberation through devotion to Pati (Shiva).
By highlighting that desired enjoyments are attainable yet limited, the verse implicitly points devotees toward Linga-worship and Saguna Shiva-bhakti as a means to purify desire and ultimately move beyond all realm-bound enjoyments toward Shiva’s grace.
The practical takeaway is śraddhā (faithful listening and contemplation), which in Shaiva practice is strengthened through daily Linga-puja, japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), and disciplined observances such as Mahashivratri vrata.