Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 38
अविमुक्तक्षेत्रमाहात्म्य
The Greatness of Avimukta–Vārāṇasī and Viśveśvara
इति ते च समाख्याता पापाचारे च या गतिः । एवं ज्ञात्वा नरस्सम्यक्सेवयेदविमुक्तकम्
iti te ca samākhyātā pāpācāre ca yā gatiḥ | evaṃ jñātvā narassamyaksevayedavimuktakam
Như vậy ta đã giảng cho nàng về số phận của kẻ sống trong hạnh nghiệp tội lỗi. Biết điều ấy rồi, người đời nên đúng đắn và hết lòng nương tựa thánh địa Avimukta (Kāśī), phụng sự với lòng cung kính, để hướng về ân điển giải thoát của Śiva.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Jyotirlinga: Viśvanātha
Sthala Purana: After stating the destinies resulting from pāpācāra, the text exhorts proper ‘sevanā’ of Avimukta—turning the bound soul toward Śiva’s liberating presence in Kāśī.
Significance: Kṣetra-sevā (residing, worship, ethical conduct, pilgrimage) is recommended as a practical means to orient life toward mokṣa under Śiva’s protection.
Role: nurturing
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
The verse contrasts the downward destiny of pāpācāra (sinful living) with the liberating refuge of Avimukta (Kāśī), teaching that turning to Śiva’s sacred kṣetra with sincere sevā aligns one with His grace and the path to mokṣa.
Avimukta is celebrated as Śiva’s own abode where Saguna worship—darśana, pūjā, and service of Śiva’s presence (often through the liṅga and kṣetra-devatā)—becomes a direct means to purification and liberation.
The takeaway is kṣetra-sevā: pilgrimage with disciplined conduct, regular Śiva-pūjā, japa of the Pañcākṣarī ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya"), and living a restrained, non-sinful life while honoring the sanctity of Avimukta.