Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 36
शिवविहारवर्णनम् (Śivavihāra-varṇana) — “Description of Śiva’s Divine Pastimes/Sojourn”
हरिश्चन्द्रो हालिकं च वृषल्यासह संयुतम् । चारयामास निश्चेष्टं निर्जनं तत्फलं शृणु
hariścandro hālikaṃ ca vṛṣalyāsaha saṃyutam | cārayāmāsa niśceṣṭaṃ nirjanaṃ tatphalaṃ śṛṇu
அரசன் ஹரிச்சந்திரன் ஹாலிகனையும்—அவனுடன் சேர்ந்த வ்ருஷல்யாவுடன்—வலியிழக்கச் செய்து பாழிடத்திற்குத் துரத்தினான்; இப்போது அந்தச் செய்கையின் பலனை கேள்।
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
FAQs
The verse highlights karma-phala (the inevitable fruit of actions) and the Shaiva ethical emphasis that right conduct and right association shape one’s spiritual destiny; the narrator prepares the listener to understand the consequence that follows from Hariścandra’s decisive act.
Though the verse is narrative, it supports Saguna Shiva devotion indirectly: in the Shiva Purana, moral discipline and purification of one’s life are repeatedly presented as supportive conditions for fruitful Shiva-bhakti and for receiving grace through Linga worship.
The takeaway is inner and outer śuddhi (purification): maintain sāttvika conduct, avoid harmful associations, and reinforce Shiva-oriented discipline through daily japa of the Panchākṣarī mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and, where appropriate, Tripuṇḍra-bhasma as a reminder of renunciation.