Shloka 22
सामान्यतो नरकगतिवर्णनम्
General Description of the Course of Hell / Naraka-gati
शिरःप्रभृति पीड्यंते घोरैः कर्मभिरात्मजैः । खाद्यंते च स्वमांसानि पीयते शोणितं स्वकम्
śiraḥprabhṛti pīḍyaṃte ghoraiḥ karmabhirātmajaiḥ | khādyaṃte ca svamāṃsāni pīyate śoṇitaṃ svakam
அவர்கள் தங்கள் சொந்த கொடிய செயல்களால் தலை முதல் கால் வரை துன்புறுத்தப்படுகிறார்கள்; அவர்கள் தங்கள் சொந்த சதையை உண்கிறார்கள் மற்றும் தங்கள் சொந்த இரத்தத்தை குடிக்கிறார்கள்.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva Purana teachings to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
It emphasizes that suffering is not imposed arbitrarily: one’s own actions (karma) become the instrument of torment. In Shaiva Siddhanta terms, the pashu (bound soul) experiences the fruits of pasha (bondage) until it turns toward Pati (Shiva) for purification and release.
By highlighting the harsh fruition of karma, the verse indirectly points to refuge in Saguna Shiva—worship of the Shiva Linga, mantra, and devotion—as a saving orientation that purifies deeds and mind, leading the soul toward Shiva’s grace and eventual liberation.
A practical takeaway is to adopt Shiva-oriented sadhana to counter karmic bondage: daily japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), Linga worship with humility, and disciplined ethical living; if practiced, these support purification and lessen the momentum of dreadful karma.