Shloka 59
Kṣetra–Kāla–Phala-kramaḥ
Hierarchy of Sacred Place, Time, and Ritual Fruit
तपश्चर्या च दानं च कर्तव्यमुभयं सदा । प्रतिश्रयं प्रदातव्यं स्ववर्णगुणशोभितम्
tapaścaryā ca dānaṃ ca kartavyamubhayaṃ sadā | pratiśrayaṃ pradātavyaṃ svavarṇaguṇaśobhitam
தபச்சரியையும் தானத்தையும் எப்போதும் மேற்கொள்ள வேண்டும். தம் வர்ண-குணங்களுக்கு ஏற்ற நற்பண்புகளால் அலங்கரித்து அடைக்கலமும் விருந்தோம்பலும் அளிக்க வேண்டும்.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Significance: Positions tapas and dāna as complementary purifiers: tapas attenuates mala/vasanā; dāna loosens possessiveness—both aiding readiness for Śiva’s grace.
Offering: naivedya
FAQs
It teaches a balanced Shaiva dharma: inner purification through tapas and outward compassion through dāna and hospitality—supports that steady virtue prepares the soul (paśu) for Shiva’s grace (pati-anugraha).
Linga-worship is not only ritual; it is supported by right conduct. Charity and offering refuge are expressions of devotion to Saguna Shiva, serving beings as Shiva’s presence and thus making worship fruitful.
A practical takeaway is to pair Shiva-vrata or japa (e.g., Panchakshara) with dāna and atithi-sevā (hospitality), especially on Shiva observances like Mahashivratri.