Shloka 21
Arjuna–Gaṇa Saṃvāda: Bāṇādhikāra, Tāpasa-veṣa, and the Ethics of Tapas (अर्जुन-गणसंवादः)
अर्जुन उवाच । शृणु भिल्ल प्रवक्ष्यामि न सत्यं तव भाषणम् । यथा जातिस्तथा त्वां च जानामि हि वनेचर
arjuna uvāca | śṛṇu bhilla pravakṣyāmi na satyaṃ tava bhāṣaṇam | yathā jātistathā tvāṃ ca jānāmi hi vanecara
อรชุนกล่าวว่า “ฟังเถิด โอ้ภิลละ! เราบอกว่า วาจาของเจ้าไม่จริง ดังชาติกำเนิดของเจ้าเป็นเช่นไร ตัวเจ้าก็เป็นเช่นนั้นเอง โอ้ผู้อาศัยป่า เรารู้จักเจ้า”
Arjuna
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Bhikṣāṭana
FAQs
The verse highlights discernment (viveka) in dharmic life: Arjuna rejects untruth and identifies conduct aligned with one’s tendencies. In a Shaiva Siddhanta lens, it points to the need for inner purification—moving from instinct-driven behavior toward truth and disciplined virtue that makes the mind fit for Shiva-bhakti and grace.
Though the verse is narrative and not a direct ritual instruction, it supports the ethical foundation required for Saguna Shiva worship: satya (truth), self-control, and clarity. In Shiva Purana framing, outward worship of the Linga bears fruit when supported by truthful speech and purified intention.
The immediate takeaway is the discipline of satya-vrata (a vow of truthfulness) and speech-restraint. As a Shaiva practice, one may pair this with daily japa of the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” cultivating truthful awareness before worship.