Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 13
Gaṅgā-Avataraṇa and the Naming of Gaṅgādvāra (गङ्गावतरणम्—गङ्गाद्वारप्रसिद्धिः)
अपकारिषु यो लोक उपकारं करोति वै । तेन पूतो भवाम्यत्र भगवद्वचनं त्विदम्
apakāriṣu yo loka upakāraṃ karoti vai | tena pūto bhavāmyatra bhagavadvacanaṃ tvidam
Кто, даже будучи обиженным другими, поистине отвечает помощью и добром, — тем самым благоволением он очищается уже здесь. Таково, воистину, слово Господа.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Role: liberating
FAQs
It teaches that the Shaiva path values inner purification (śuddhi) through compassion—helping even those who have harmed you burns reactive karma and aligns the soul (paśu) toward Shiva’s grace (pati-anugraha).
Linga-worship is not only external ritual; it is fulfilled by embodying Shiva-like qualities—peace, benevolence, and non-retaliation. Such conduct becomes an offering to Saguna Shiva, making worship spiritually effective.
Practice japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) while consciously releasing resentment, then perform a simple act of service (upakāra) as a living vrata; this inner discipline functions like a purification rite alongside bhasma or rudrākṣa observances.