Mukti-bheda-nirūpaṇa (Classification of Liberation) and Śiva as the Sole Bestower of Mokṣa
सूत उवाच । मुक्तिश्चतुर्विधा प्रोक्ता श्रूयतां कथयामि वः । संसारक्लेशसंहर्त्री परमानन्ददायिनी
sūta uvāca | muktiścaturvidhā proktā śrūyatāṃ kathayāmi vaḥ | saṃsārakleśasaṃhartrī paramānandadāyinī
Sūta nói: “Mukti (giải thoát) được tuyên thuyết là có bốn loại. Hãy lắng nghe—ta sẽ giảng cho các ngươi. Đó là điều diệt trừ mọi khổ não của luân hồi (saṃsāra) và ban tặng niềm an lạc tối thượng.”
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Significance: Hearing/understanding the doctrine of fourfold mukti is framed as a means to end saṃsāra-kleśa and orient the soul toward Śiva’s grace (anugraha).
This verse frames mukti as Shiva-oriented liberation: freedom from saṃsāra’s kleshas and the attainment of paramānanda, pointing to Shiva as the ultimate bestower of release and bliss.
By defining mukti as the removal of worldly bondage and the gift of supreme bliss, it supports the Purana’s teaching that devotion to Shiva—commonly through Linga worship as Saguna Shiva—leads the devotee toward liberation.
The verse introduces the topic rather than prescribing a specific rite; as a practical takeaway, Shaiva practice typically aligns this teaching with steady japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and regular Shiva worship aimed at freedom from saṃsāra.