Shloka 148

उमामहेश्वरव्रतं—पञ्चाक्षरमन्त्रस्य माहात्म्यं, न्यासः, जपविधिः, सदाचारः, विनियोगः

Devanagari script

एको न गच्छेदध्वानं बाहुभ्यां नोत्तरेन्नदीम् नावरोहेत कूपादिं नारोहेदुच्चपादपान्

Transliteration

eko na gacchedadhvānaṃ bāhubhyāṃ nottarennadīm nāvaroheta kūpādiṃ nāroheduccapādapān

Translation

不可独自上路；不可仅凭双臂强渡江河；不可下入井穴等处；亦不可攀登高树。是故，受缚之魂 paśu 当远离鲁莽之举，以免增益 pāśa（系缚），并护持此身为礼敬湿婆之器，依于主宰 Pati 而求解脱。

Word by Word

• ekaḥ: alone

• na: not

• gacchet: should go/travel

• adhvānam: a journey/road

• bāhubhyām: with (one’s) arms

• na: not

• uttaret: should cross

• nadīm: a river

• na: not

• avaroheta: should descend/climb down

• kūpa-ādīm: a well and similar places

• na: not

• ārohet: should climb

• ucca-pāda-pān: high trees (lit. tall-footed, i.e., lofty)

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating dharma-instructions within the Linga Purana discourse) to the sages of Naimisharanya

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It teaches practical restraint: preserving the body and avoiding needless danger supports steady nitya-puja, vrata, and pilgrimage to Shiva-lingas—making the devotee fit for disciplined worship.

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

Indirectly, it frames Shiva as Pati (the Lord) and the aspirant as paśu: the devotee should reduce pāśa (bondage) by wise conduct, so the mind can remain oriented to Shiva-tattva rather than fear, injury, or instability.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It highlights niyama-like discipline (self-regulation) foundational to Pashupata-oriented sadhana: minimizing risk, maintaining bodily integrity, and cultivating steadiness for japa, dhyana, and Shiva-puja.