Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 36
तारकासुर-पूर्ववृत्त-प्रश्नः (Questions on Tārakāsura and Śivā’s tapas) / “Inquiry into Tārakāsura’s origin and Śivā–Śiva narrative”
न पूर्णस्स्यात्प्रियाकामस्तदा मे नरको भवेत् । द्विधापि धर्महानिर्वै भवतीत्यनुशुश्रुवान्
na pūrṇassyātpriyākāmastadā me narako bhavet | dvidhāpi dharmahānirvai bhavatītyanuśuśruvān
“若我挚爱的心愿不得圆满，于我便如堕地狱；而若我在两途之中任行其一，确会损失正法（dharma）。”——他如是听闻领悟后，沉思自省。
Suta Goswami (narrating the Parvati Khanda episode to the sages)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It highlights the Shaiva ethical tension where attachment and duty collide: true dharma must be protected, yet devotion and compassion are not dismissed—one must seek the course that minimizes adharma and aligns the heart toward Shiva.
In the Parvati Khanda’s devotional framework, Saguna Shiva worship trains the devotee to purify motives—so decisions are not driven by mere attachment (priyā-kāma) but by dharma offered to Shiva as inner worship.
A practical takeaway is japa of the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) before acting, to steady the mind and choose dharmic action; if performed, it may be paired with Tripundra (bhasma) as a reminder of restraint and right conduct.