Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 8
त्रिपुरमोहनम्
Tripuramohana — “The Delusion/Enchanting of Tripura”
विचार्यमाणे देहेऽस्मिन्न किंचिदधिकं क्वचित् । आहारो मैथुनं निद्रा भयं सर्वत्र यत्समम्
vicāryamāṇe dehe'sminna kiṃcidadhikaṃ kvacit | āhāro maithunaṃ nidrā bhayaṃ sarvatra yatsamam
Quando este corpo é examinado com discernimento, não se encontra nele, em parte alguma, algo superior. Alimento, união sexual, sono e medo—em toda parte são vistos como iguais em todos os seres corporificados.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating the Purāṇic discourse to the sages, with the verse expressing a reflective teaching within the Yuddhakhaṇḍa narrative)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Significance: Viveka (discernment) regarding bodily sameness weakens dehābhimāna and supports vairāgya, preparing the paśu for Śiva-anugraha.
Role: teaching
FAQs
It teaches viveka (discernment): the body’s basic drives—eating, sex, sleep, and fear—are universal and therefore not marks of true greatness. Recognizing this supports vairāgya and turns the seeker toward Pati (Śiva), beyond pashu-like compulsions.
By highlighting the body’s sameness and limitations, the verse redirects attention from bodily identity to devotion and surrender. Linga-worship (Saguna Śiva as the sacred sign) becomes a stabilizing focus to transcend instinctive patterns and mature toward Śiva-realization.
A practical takeaway is sense-restraint supported by japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), mindful fasting/regulated diet (especially on Mahāśivarātri), and meditation on the Linga—using discipline to loosen bondage to appetite, lust, lethargy, and fear.