Shloka 54
Pratyakṣa–Āgama–Ācāra: Doubt, Proof, and the Practice of Dharma (प्रत्यक्ष–आगम–आचारविचारः)
चीर्व्वा द्वादशवर्षाणि दीक्षामेतां मनोगताम् | अरणीसपितं स्कन्धे बद्ध्वा गच्छत्यनावृत:
cīrvvā dvādaśavarṣāṇi dīkṣām etāṁ manogatām | araṇīsapitaṁ skandhe baddhvā gacchaty anāvṛtaḥ ||
“Matapos tuparin sa loob ng labindalawang taon ang panatang dīkṣā na pinagtibay sa kalooban, siya’y umaalis nang hindi lumilingon, pasan sa balikat ang panggatong at ang mga patpat na araṇi na magkakatali.”
श्रीमहेश्वर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness in dharma: a vow (dīkṣā) must be sustained over time with inner resolve (manogatā) and outward discipline, proceeding without wavering (anāvṛtaḥ).
Maheśvara describes an ascetic/ritual practitioner who, after maintaining a twelve-year consecrated observance, departs carrying the ritual implements for fire (araṇi and kindling) on his shoulder, symbolizing readiness for sacred rite and unwavering commitment.