Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 43
शिवतत्त्ववर्णनम् (Śiva-tattva-varṇana) — “Description/Exposition of the Principle of Śiva”
वैकारिकश्च विज्ञेयो योऽहंकार उदाहृतः । नामतो वस्तुतो नैव तामसः परिचक्ष्यते
vaikārikaśca vijñeyo yo'haṃkāra udāhṛtaḥ | nāmato vastuto naiva tāmasaḥ paricakṣyate
جس اَہنکار کو ‘وَیکارِک’ کہا گیا ہے، اسے ویسا ہی سمجھنا چاہیے؛ وہ نہ نام کے اعتبار سے اور نہ حقیقت میں ‘تامس’ کہلانے کے لائق ہے۔
Sūta Gosvāmi (narrating Purāṇic teaching to the sages, within the creation discourse of Rudrasaṃhitā)
Tattva Level: pasha
FAQs
It clarifies that not all ego-functions are tamasic; the “vaikārika” (sāttvika) aspect supports clarity, discernment, and ordered manifestation—useful for turning the mind toward Shiva rather than sinking into inertia.
Linga-worship requires a purified inner instrument: the sāttvika (vaikārika) mode of ego supports reverence, right understanding, and disciplined devotion, whereas tamas clouds perception and weakens steady worship.
Cultivate sāttvika conduct alongside japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and steady dhyāna; this strengthens the vaikārika tendency (clarity and devotion) and reduces tamasic heaviness during worship.