Shloka 22
Dehāśucitā-vicāraḥ
Inquiry into the Impurity of the Body
प्रज्वाल्य वह्निं घृततैलसिक्तं प्रदक्षिणावर्तशिखं महांतम् । प्रविश्य दग्धस्त्वपि भावदुष्टो न धर्ममाप्नोति फलं न चान्यत
prajvālya vahniṃ ghṛtatailasiktaṃ pradakṣiṇāvartaśikhaṃ mahāṃtam | praviśya dagdhastvapi bhāvaduṣṭo na dharmamāpnoti phalaṃ na cānyata
நெய், எண்ணெய் ஊற்றி வளர்த்த, வலப்புறம் சுழலும் மங்களச் சுடர்களையுடைய பெரும் தீயை ஏற்றி அதில் நுழைந்து எரிந்தாலும்—உள்ளநோக்கம் கெட்டிருந்தால், தர்மமும் கிடையாது; ஆன்மீகப் பயனும் இல்லை.
Lord Shiva (inferred, Umāsaṃhitā philosophical instruction)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Significance: Teaches that external austerity (even self-immolation-like ordeal) without inner bhāva/śuddhi yields no puṇya; pilgrimage and rites must be joined to right intention.
FAQs
It teaches that dharma and spiritual merit arise from purified bhāva (inner intention). Extreme outward austerity—even self-immolation—cannot yield true fruit if the mind remains impure; in Shaiva Siddhanta, inner purification is essential for Shiva’s grace.
Linga worship and Saguna Shiva devotion are not validated by external signs alone (grand offerings, auspicious omens). The verse emphasizes that Shiva is pleased by sincere devotion and purity; without that, ritual becomes empty and does not produce dharmic or liberating results.
It implies bhāva-śuddhi: before homa, vrata, or pūjā, cultivate purity through japa of the Panchākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), self-examination, and restraint; outward rites should be supported by inward yoga-like discipline and devotion.