Shloka 20
Anasūyā–Atri Tapas-Varṇana
Description of Anasūyā and Atri’s Austerities
चकार सुचरित्रा सानसूया मुनिकामिनी । दैत्याश्च दानवाः सर्वे दृष्ट्वा तु सुन्दरीं तदा
cakāra sucaritrā sānasūyā munikāminī | daityāśca dānavāḥ sarve dṛṣṭvā tu sundarīṃ tadā
तदा सुचरित्रा मुनिकामिनी अनसूया तथा चकार। तां सुन्दरीं दृष्ट्वा सर्वे दैत्यदानवाः तदा क्षुभितमानसाः अभवन्।
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Bhairava
FAQs
It highlights the Shaiva ethical ideal that inner purity and noble conduct (sucaritra) protect spiritual power, while uncontrolled desire disturbs the mind—an obstacle to Shiva-bhakti and steadiness in dharma.
Linga worship in the Shiva Purana is upheld by purity, restraint, and reverence; the verse contrasts the steadiness of a dharmic devotee with the agitation of demonic tendencies, implying that Saguna Shiva is approached through disciplined conduct and devotion.
Sense-restraint and purity as daily discipline: mentally repeat the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) to steady the mind, and maintain sattvic conduct as preparation for Shiva-puja (with bhasma and rudraksha where prescribed).