Adhyaya 84: शिवव्रतकथनम्
Uma–Maheshvara Vrata, Shula-dana, and Month-wise Ekabhakta Vrata
नरः कृत्वा व्रतं चैव शिवसायुज्यमाप्नुयात् नारी देव्या न संदेहः शिवेन परिभाषितम्
naraḥ kṛtvā vrataṃ caiva śivasāyujyamāpnuyāt nārī devyā na saṃdehaḥ śivena paribhāṣitam
جو مرد اس ورت کو طریقۂ شریعت کے مطابق ادا کرے، وہ شِو سَایُجْیَ—بھگوان شِو کے ساتھ کامل اتحاد—حاصل کرتا ہے۔ عورت بھی دیوی کے فضل سے وہی پھل پاتی ہے؛ اس میں کوئی شک نہیں—یہ خود شِو نے فرمایا ہے۔
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva’s stated assurance within the vrata context)
It frames vrata (disciplined observance associated with Śiva’s worship) as a direct means to Śiva-sāyujya, emphasizing that sincere Śaiva practice culminates in liberation by Śiva’s grace.
Śiva is presented as Pati—the liberating Lord who grants sāyujya. Liberation is not merely merit-based; it is confirmed as Śiva’s own proclamation, highlighting His sovereignty and anugraha (saving grace).
Vrata (vowed observance) is highlighted as a Śaiva discipline aligned with Pāśupata-style self-restraint and devotion, cutting pāśa (bondage) for the pashu (individual soul) through Śiva-Śakti’s salvific power.