Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 34
Niṣādasya Bhillasya Itihāsaḥ — Śivarātri-vrata-prabhāvaḥ
The Hunter’s Account and the Efficacy of the Śivarātri Observance
विश्वासघातके तच्च तथा वै छलकर्तरि । तेन पापेन लिम्पामि यद्यहं नागमे पुनः
viśvāsaghātake tacca tathā vai chalakartari | tena pāpena limpāmi yadyahaṃ nāgame punaḥ
“Nếu ta không trở lại nữa, thì xin cho ta bị nhuốm chính tội ấy—tội phản bội niềm tin và hành vi gian trá, lừa dối.”
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga episode; the verse is an oath-formula (śapatha) invoking self-imprecation to ensure truthfulness—an ethical mechanism that, in Śaiva reading, prepares the paśu for grace by aligning speech with dharma.
Significance: General teaching: satya and fidelity to one’s word are treated as prerequisites for auspicious outcomes in Śiva narratives; breach of trust is framed as spiritually polluting.
FAQs
It upholds satya (truthfulness) and viśvāsa (trust) as essential virtues for a devotee; breaking one’s word is treated as a serious moral stain that obstructs purity of heart needed for Shiva-bhakti.
Linga-worship emphasizes inner and outer purity; this verse frames integrity and freedom from deceit as part of the devotional discipline that makes one fit to approach Saguna Shiva in pilgrimage and pūjā.
A practical takeaway is to take a vow of satya before japa (e.g., Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and maintain truthful conduct as a niyama; such ethical restraint supports steadiness in mantra and worship.