Shloka 29
Andhakeśvara-liṅga Māhātmya and Śiva’s Subjugation of Andhaka (अन्धकेश्वरलिङ्गमाहात्म्य तथा अन्धकवध-प्रसङ्ग)
महेश्वर उवाच । शिवरात्र्यां त्वया दुष्ट सेवनं च स्त्रियाः कृतम् । अस्नातेन मदीया च कृता पूजाविवेकिना
maheśvara uvāca | śivarātryāṃ tvayā duṣṭa sevanaṃ ca striyāḥ kṛtam | asnātena madīyā ca kṛtā pūjāvivekinā
مہیشور نے فرمایا—“شبِ شِوَراتری میں تُو نے عورت کے ساتھ بدکارانہ صحبت کی؛ اور غسل کیے بغیر، خود کو صاحبِ تمیز سمجھتے ہوئے بھی، میری پوجا کو طریقۂ شریعت کے خلاف ادا کیا۔”
Lord Shiva (Maheshvara)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahadeva
FAQs
The verse teaches that Śivarātri worship is not merely ceremonial; it must be supported by śauca (purity), self-restraint, and right intention. From a Śaiva Siddhānta lens, outer impurity and inner misconduct both strengthen pāśa (bondage) and obstruct grace.
It emphasizes that Saguna worship (such as Liṅga-pūjā) requires proper preparation—cleanliness, reverence, and disciplined conduct—so the ritual becomes a fitting vessel for devotion and Shiva’s anugraha (grace), rather than a contradictory act.
A clear takeaway is to observe Śivarātri with bodily purification (snāna), ethical restraint (brahmacarya/self-control), and sincere worship—ideally supported by japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” with a focused, repentant mind.