Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 36
अन्धक-प्रश्नः — Inquiry into Andhaka
Genealogy and Nature
ऊर्द्ध्वं गतिः पुत्रवतां निरुक्ता मनीषिभिर्धर्मभृतां वरिष्ठैः । सर्वाणि भूतानि तदर्थमेवमतः प्रवर्तेत पशून् स्वतेजसः
ūrddhvaṃ gatiḥ putravatāṃ niruktā manīṣibhirdharmabhṛtāṃ variṣṭhaiḥ | sarvāṇi bhūtāni tadarthamevamataḥ pravarteta paśūn svatejasaḥ
Os sábios—os mais eminentes entre os sustentadores do dharma—declararam que aqueles que têm progênie digna alcançam um curso ascendente (destino mais elevado). Como todos os seres existem precisamente para esse fim, deve-se, com o próprio ardor espiritual (tejas), pôr o gado e os dependentes no caminho correto, guiando-os e protegendo-os devidamente.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Purana to the sages, conveying the dharmic teaching embedded in the Yuddha-khanda narration)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It links “ūrdhva-gati” (higher destiny) with dharmic responsibility: nurturing and guiding dependents with svatejas (inner spiritual strength), which in Shaiva thought supports purification of the paśu (bound being) toward liberation under Pati (Shiva).
By worshipping Saguna Shiva in the Linga, a householder strengthens svatejas through devotion and discipline, enabling righteous leadership of family and community—turning worldly duties into a Shiva-oriented path of upliftment.
Cultivate svatejas through daily japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namah Shivaya) and a sattvic, dharmic routine; this inner fire then supports right conduct and compassionate protection of dependents.