Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 26
दक्षस्य रुद्रनिन्दा-निमित्तकथनम् / The Cause of Dakṣa’s Censure of Rudra
स्तनयोरंतरे कृत्वा तदा देवीमसेवतः । अन्या कांचनचार्वंगी दीप्तं जग्राह दर्पणम्
stanayoraṃtare kṛtvā tadā devīmasevataḥ | anyā kāṃcanacārvaṃgī dīptaṃ jagrāha darpaṇam
ثم وضعه بين نهدي الإلهة، وأخذ يخدمها بتوقير. وفي الأثناء تناولت فتاةٌ أخرى—ذهبيةَ اللون، حسنةَ الأعضاء—مرآةً لامعةً متألّقة.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: nurturing
FAQs
The verse portrays attentive service to the Goddess (Devi-sevā), emphasizing that devotion expressed through reverent attendance and remembrance of the Divine Mother supports inner purification and steadiness of mind—key supports for Shaiva Siddhanta sādhanā aimed at grace (anugraha).
In the Shiva Purana, Saguna worship often appears through narrative scenes involving Devi and her attendants; honoring Shakti is integral to honoring Shiva, since Shiva is worshipped with Shakti as inseparable power. Such reverence complements Linga-worship by cultivating bhakti, śaucā (purity), and humility.
A practical takeaway is upacāra-sevā (devotional service): respectful attendance, cleanliness, and focused remembrance during pūjā. If formal practice is desired, combine steady japa of the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with simple offerings, maintaining a pure and attentive mind.