Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 73
द्वितीयतृतीयावरणपूजाक्रमः | The Sequence of the Second and Third Enclosure Worship (Āvaraṇa-pūjā)
पशवः पक्षिणो वृक्षाः कीटाद्याः क्षुद्रयोनयः । नराश्च विविधाकारा मृगाश्च क्षुद्रयोनयः
paśavaḥ pakṣiṇo vṛkṣāḥ kīṭādyāḥ kṣudrayonayaḥ | narāśca vividhākārā mṛgāśca kṣudrayonayaḥ
Bestas, aves, árvores, insetos e semelhantes—estes são chamados de “nascimentos inferiores”. Também os humanos, de formas variadas, e os animais selvagens (como o veado e outros) são contados entre tais nascimentos menores.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Cosmic Event: saṃsāric classification of yonis (birth-categories) within māyā
FAQs
The verse classifies embodied existences as “lower births,” highlighting the Shaiva Siddhanta theme that the bound soul (paśu) wanders through many forms due to karma and pasha (bondage), and needs the grace of Pati (Shiva) for liberation.
By stressing the limitations of embodied states, it implicitly points to refuge in Saguna Shiva—worship of the Linga, devotion, and remembrance of Shiva—as means by which the paśu turns toward Pati and becomes fit for Shiva’s grace that loosens pasha.
A practical takeaway is steady japa of the Panchakshara mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with a life of dharma and inner restraint; such Shiva-oriented practice purifies karma and supports movement toward moksha.