Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 53
विष्णोर्दर्शनं स्तुतिश्च
Viṣṇu’s Manifestation and Brahmā’s Hymn
इत्युक्तः प्राह स स्वामी विहस्य करुणान्वितः । दिवमुद्वीक्ष्य सुप्रीत्या नानालीलाविशारदः
ityuktaḥ prāha sa svāmī vihasya karuṇānvitaḥ | divamudvīkṣya suprītyā nānālīlāviśāradaḥ
فلما خوطِب هكذا أجاب ذلك الربّ—مبتسمًا، ممتلئًا رحمةً وشفقة. وبفرحٍ عظيم رفع بصره إلى السماوات، إذ كان خبيرًا بشتى ليلاتِه الإلهية.
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Role: liberating
Cosmic Event: īśvara-pratyuttara (the Lord’s compassionate assent preceding manifestation)
FAQs
It highlights Shiva as the compassionate Pati (Lord) who responds with grace and gentle joy, indicating that divine instruction and protection arise from karuṇā rather than anger—an essential Shaiva Siddhanta emphasis on Shiva’s anugraha (bestowing of grace).
The verse portrays Saguna Shiva—smiling, responsive, and engaged in līlā—supporting devotional worship where the devotee approaches Shiva as a personal Lord who hears prayers and answers, which is central to Purāṇic Linga-bhakti.
A practical takeaway is to cultivate bhakti with a calm mind—mentally remembering Shiva’s compassionate form while repeating the Panchākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), seeking anugraha (grace) rather than merely worldly results.