Shloka 16
तपसो महिमा
The Greatness and Typology of Tapas
व्रतोपवासचर्या च मौनमिन्द्रियनिग्रहः । धीर्विद्या सत्यमक्रोधो दानं क्षांतिर्दमो दया
vratopavāsacaryā ca maunamindriyanigrahaḥ | dhīrvidyā satyamakrodho dānaṃ kṣāṃtirdamo dayā
Votos e jejuns, conduta religiosa disciplinada, silêncio (mauna) e domínio dos sentidos; entendimento firme, conhecimento verdadeiro (vidyā), veracidade e ausência de ira; caridade (dāna), paciência, autocontrole (dama) e compaixão (dayā)—tais observâncias virtuosas purificam o paśu, a alma atada, e o voltam para Śiva, o Pati, Senhor libertador.
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Significance: Lists sāttvika virtues (vrata, upavāsa, mauna, indriya-nigraha, satya, akrodha, dāna, dayā) that weaken pāśa (kārma and māyā) and dispose the paśu toward Śiva’s anugraha.
Role: liberating
FAQs
It lists core Shaiva virtues—restraint, truth, patience, charity, and compassion—that purify the mind and weaken pasha (bondage), making the seeker fit for Shiva’s grace and liberation.
Linga-worship in the Shiva Purana is not only outer ritual; these inner disciplines stabilize the devotee’s conduct so the worship becomes sattvic and receptive to Saguna Shiva’s blessings and guidance toward the Supreme.
Upavasa (fasting) with vrata, mauna (measured speech), and indriya-nigraha (sense-restraint) are highlighted; they pair naturally with japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namah Shivaya) and simple dana as a daily practice.