Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 31
पञ्चाक्षरीविद्यायाḥ कलियुगे मोक्षोपायः | The Pañcākṣarī Vidyā as a Means of Liberation in Kali Yuga
पुत्रेभ्यः प्रददौ मंत्रं मंत्रार्थं च यथातथम् । ते च लब्ध्वा मंत्ररत्नं साक्षाल्लोकपितामहात्
putrebhyaḥ pradadau maṃtraṃ maṃtrārthaṃ ca yathātatham | te ca labdhvā maṃtraratnaṃ sākṣāllokapitāmahāt
அவர் தம் புதல்வர்களுக்கு புனித மந்திரத்தையும், அதன் உண்மையான பொருளையும் அப்படியே உபதேசித்தார். அவர்கள் உலகப் பிதாமகன் பிரம்மாவிடமிருந்து நேரடியாக அந்த மந்திரரத்தினத்தைப் பெற்று, அதன் அருளும் அதிகாரமும் உடையவர்களாயினர்.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Type: panchakshara
Role: liberating
FAQs
It teaches that mantra is not merely a sound-form; its liberating power arises when the mantra is received along with its true meaning through proper transmission, leading the seeker toward Shiva-realization and freedom from bondage (pāśa).
In Shaiva practice, Linga worship is sustained by mantra-japa and right understanding; this verse emphasizes that correct mantric knowledge sanctifies outer worship (saguṇa upāsanā) and guides it toward inner union with Pati (Shiva).
Seek mantra-upadeśa (initiation/instruction) from an authentic teacher, then perform steady japa with contemplation of the mantra’s meaning; such disciplined practice is especially aligned with Mahāśivarātri observances.