A Tale of Ultimate Forgiveness and Divine Love

Discover the transformative power of the Shiva Purana, where even the vilest sinner finds redemption through divine grace. A tale of cosmic justice and boundless mercy. 

The Power of Divine Tales (Shlokas 1-4)

1. Shaunaka spoke: "O Suta, blessed knower of the greatest Truth, Your compassion has gifted us this divine tale."

2. "This wondrous narrative destroys sins, Purifies the mind, and pleases Lord Shiva."

3. "Thanks to your kindness, we now realize No story is as fine and profound as this."

4. "In this Kali age (current era of spiritual darkness), Which sinners find redemption through this story? Please enlighten us all."

The Purifying Power of Spiritual Knowledge (Shlokas 5-12)

5. Suta replied: "Even habitual sinners and the wicked Become pure through this sacred narrative."

6. "This is a great spiritual sacrifice of wisdom, Yielding both worldly joy and ultimate salvation. It washes away all sins and delights Shiva."

7. "Those overwhelmed by greed and falsehood, The disrespectful, the vain, and the violent, All find sanctification through this wisdom."

8. "Even those who neglect their caste duties And harbor malice are purified by this knowledge, Even in the challenging times of the Kali age."

9. "The deceitful and the cruel find redemption Through this spiritual wisdom, even in Kali's era."

10. "Those who steal from brahmins and commit adultery Are cleansed by this knowledge, even in these dark times."

11. "Even the most sinful and roguish individuals Find purification through this wisdom in the Kali age."

12. "Men of unclean habits and wicked minds, Those who know no peace and misuse sacred trusts, All become pure through this spiritual knowledge."

The Tale of Devaraja (Shlokas 13-20)

13. "The merit of this Purana destroys great sins, Grants worldly pleasures and ultimate liberation, And brings joy to Lord Shiva himself."

14. "An ancient tale serves as an example, Its mere hearing destroys all sins utterly."

15. In the city of the Kiratas lived a brahmin, Poor and lacking in spiritual knowledge. He sold various drinks, neglecting divine worship, His name was Devaraja.

16. He never performed daily prayers or ablutions, Living more like a merchant than a brahmin. Deception was his constant companion.

17. Through violence and deceit, he robbed many, From brahmins to common folk, sparing none.

18. Though he amassed wealth through foul means, Not a coin was spent on virtuous deeds.

19. One day, while bathing in a lake, He saw Sobhavati, a beautiful courtesan. The sight of her beauty agitated his mind.

20. The woman, realizing his wealth, was delighted. Her sweet words filled his heart with desire.

The Descent into Sin (Shlokas 21-30)

21. Devaraja decided to make her his wife, And she consented to have him as her husband. In mutual passion, they indulged for a long time.

22. Together they sat, lay, ate, drank, and played, Indistinguishable from any other wedded couple.

23. His mother, father, and first wife repeatedly Tried to dissuade him from this sinful path, But he paid no heed to their words.

24. One night, consumed by rage, he committed A heinous act: he killed his sleeping parents And his wedded wife, seizing their wealth.

25. Enamored with the courtesan, he handed over His own wealth and the loot from his family To satisfy her desires.

26. In her company, he indulged in forbidden foods, Became addicted to wine and strong liquors, And shared meals from the same plate as his concubine.

27. By chance, he arrived in the city of Pratisthana (an ancient Indian city). There, he saw a Shiva temple where saintly men had gathered.

28. During his stay, he was struck by severe fever. In his illness, he heard a brahmin's discourse on Shiva.

29. After a month of suffering, Devaraja succumbed to the fever. Yama's attendants (messengers of the god of death) bound him with nooses, Forcibly taking him to Yama's abode.

30. Meanwhile, in Shivaloka (Shiva's celestial realm), something stirred...

Divine Intervention (Shlokas 30-40)

31. Shiva's attendants, clad in white and smeared with sacred ash, Adorned with Rudraksha (holy beads) garlands and wielding tridents, Set out furiously from Shivaloka.

32. They reached Yama's city, their divine presence formidable. With righteous anger, they threatened Yama's attendants.

33. Freeing Devaraja from his bonds, They placed him in a wondrous celestial chariot.

34. As they prepared to depart for Kailasa (Shiva's abode), A great commotion arose in Yama's city.

35. Dharmaraja (Yama, the god of death and justice) himself Emerged from his palace, drawn by the tumult.

36. Seeing the four messengers who resembled Rudra (Shiva), Dharmaraja, knower of virtues, honored them as custom dictated.

37. Through his wisdom-vision, Yama understood all. Out of reverence, he refrained from questioning Shiva's noble attendants.

38. Duly honored by Yama, the divine messengers Proceeded to Kailasa, Shiva's sacred mountain abode.

39. There, they presented the brahmin Devaraja To Shiva, the ocean of mercy, and the divine mother Parvati.

40. Thus ends the tale that illustrates the power Of the Shiva Purana, holiest of holy stories. Its mere hearing qualifies even the greatest sinner for salvation.