Shloka 17

Aghora-Mantra Japa: Graded Expiations, Pañcagavya Purification, and Homa for Mahāpātaka-Nivṛtti

Devanagari script

तदर्धं केवले पापे नात्र कार्या विचारणा ब्रह्महत्या सुरापानं सुवर्णस्तेयमेव च

Transliteration

tadardhaṃ kevale pāpe nātra kāryā vicāraṇā brahmahatyā surāpānaṃ suvarṇasteyameva ca

Translation

جو گناہ اپنی حقیقت میں سراسر بدی ہو، اس میں (بیان کردہ کفّارے کا) آدھا ہی لاگو ہوتا ہے—اس میں مزید غور کی حاجت نہیں۔ جیسے برہمن کشی، شراب نوشی اور سونے کی چوری۔

Word by Word

• tadardham: half of that (expiation)

• kevale: purely/entirely

• pāpe: in sin

• na: not

• atra: here

• kāryā: to be done/required

• vicāraṇā: consideration/deliberation

• brahmahatyā: killing of a Brāhmaṇa

• surāpānam: drinking liquor/intoxicants

• suvarṇasteyam: theft of gold

• eva: indeed/only

• ca: and

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating traditional dharma-teachings within the Linga Purana discourse)

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It frames purification (śuddhi) as essential before or alongside Linga-pūjā—grave sins create strong pāśa (bondage), and expiation plus renewed Shiva-oriented discipline restores eligibility for worship and inner steadiness.

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

Implicitly, Shiva is Pati—the liberating Lord—while sin is pāśa binding the paśu (soul). By prescribing decisive remedies for mahāpātakas, the text points to a path where purification and surrender remove obstacles to realizing Shiva’s grace.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Prāyaścitta (prescribed expiation) is highlighted—paired in Shaiva practice with vrata, japa, and disciplined conduct that supports Pāśupata-style inner purification.