Shloka 22

Devanagari script

गोष्ठाग्निजलरथ्यासु तरुच्छाया नगेषु च । त्यजंति ये पुरीषाद्यानारामायतनेषु च

Transliteration

goṣṭhāgnijalarathyāsu tarucchāyā nageṣu ca | tyajaṃti ye purīṣādyānārāmāyataneṣu ca

Translation

மாட்டுத்தொழுவில், நெருப்பருகில், நீரில், பொதுவழியில், மரநிழலில் அல்லது மலைகளில் மலமூத்திரம் முதலியவற்றைத் துறந்து ஒழுகுவோர்; மேலும் தோட்டங்களிலும் ஆலயப் பரிசரங்களிலும் அவ்வாறு செய்யாதோர்—தூய்மை மற்றும் கட்டுப்பாட்டை கடைப்பிடிக்கும் (சிவமார்க்க பக்தர்கள்) எனக் கருதப்படுவர்.

Word by Word

goṣṭha-agni-jala-rathyāsuin cow-sheds, fires, waters, and streets

taru-chāyāḥtree-shades

nageṣuon mountains

caand

tyajantithey abandon/avoid

yewho (those who)

purīṣa-ādīnexcrement and the like

an-ārāma-āyataneṣuin places that are not pleasant gardens (unfit abodes)

caand

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Shaiva Theology

Tattva Level: pashu

Shiva Form: Mahādeva

Jyotirlinga Context

Significance: Establishes śauca and maryādā in sacred/public spaces; such restraint supports eligibility for temple worship and enhances tīrtha-phala by reducing pāśa through disciplined conduct.

Shakti Dimension

Role: nurturing

Characters & Entities

Shiva

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in the Shiva Purana?

It teaches śauca (purity) and self-restraint: a devotee avoids polluting places where life, worship, and sacred presence are honored, thereby reducing tamas and cultivating fitness for Śiva-bhakti.

How does this verse relate to the worship of the Linga or Saguna Shiva?

Linga-worship emphasizes sanctity of the shrine and its surroundings; maintaining external cleanliness mirrors inner reverence, supporting focused devotion to Saguna Śiva in the temple space.

What ritualistic or meditative practice is suggested here?

A practical takeaway is disciplined bodily conduct (śauca) before worship—keeping sacred spaces clean, then approaching Śiva with mantra-japa (e.g., Pañcākṣarī) and a steady, respectful mind.