Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 8
शैवधर्मप्रशंसा तथा पञ्चविधसाधनविभागः / Praise of Śaiva Dharma and the Fivefold Classification of Practice
स चायं परमो धर्मः परधर्मस्य साधनम् । धर्मशास्त्रादिभिस्सम्यक्सांग एवोपबृंहितः
sa cāyaṃ paramo dharmaḥ paradharmasya sādhanam | dharmaśāstrādibhissamyaksāṃga evopabṛṃhitaḥ
而此确为至上之法——乃成就更高之法（解脱之正法）的方便。它由《法论》（Dharma-śāstra）及相关权威教说，连同一切支分，得以如理增益、圆满扶持。
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Sthala Purana: Not a sthala account; it asserts that ‘supreme dharma’ functions as sādhanā toward the ‘higher dharma’ (mokṣa-oriented), and is systematized by dharmaśāstras as auxiliary supports—consistent with Siddhānta’s structured upāyas.
Significance: Frames śāstra-guided discipline as preparatory and supportive for liberation; encourages integrating ethical-ritual order with yoga/jñāna rather than opposing them.
Role: teaching
FAQs
It teaches that true dharma is not merely social duty; when grounded in śāstra and practiced as a complete discipline, it becomes a direct means toward the higher dharma—liberation under the grace and lordship of Shiva (Pati).
In Shaiva practice, outer worship (Saguna Shiva/Linga) is one of the ‘limbs’ of dharma; when performed according to śāstra with right understanding, it purifies the pashu (bound soul) and supports ascent toward the higher, liberating realization of Shiva.
Follow śāstra-guided Shaiva observances as a complete discipline—regular Linga-pūjā with mantra (especially the Panchakshara), along with supportive limbs like purity, right conduct, and devotion—so practice becomes a means to higher dharma.