Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 23
देव्याः क्रोधः शक्तिनिर्माणं च
Devī’s Wrath and the Manifestation of the Śaktis
स्वीयो वा परकीयो वा देवो वा दानवोपि वा । गणो वापि च दिक्पालो यक्षो वा किन्नरो मुनिः
svīyo vā parakīyo vā devo vā dānavopi vā | gaṇo vāpi ca dikpālo yakṣo vā kinnaro muniḥ
সে আপনজন হোক বা পরজন; দেব হোক বা দানব; গণ, দিক্পাল, যক্ষ, কিন্নর কিংবা মুনি—যে-ই হোক, সকলেই শিবের সর্বব্যাপী অধিপত্যের অধীন এবং তাঁর অনুগ্রহের রূপান্তরকারী পরিসরের মধ্যে বোধগম্য।
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating the Purāṇic account to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Significance: General doctrinal import: all classes of beings fall under Śiva’s lordship (pati), implying universal eligibility for refuge and eventual anugraha.
FAQs
It emphasizes Śaiva universality: distinctions like friend/stranger or deva/dānava do not limit the reach of Śiva’s lordship; what matters is alignment with dharma and receptivity to His anugraha (grace), which leads the bound soul (paśu) toward liberation under Pati (Śiva).
By listing many classes of beings, the verse implies that Saguna worship—especially Linga-upāsanā—is not restricted by birth or category; anyone who approaches Śiva with devotion can participate in His worship and receive purification and upliftment.
A practical takeaway is inclusive Śiva-bhakti: perform Linga-pūjā with pañcākṣarī japa (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), and support it with traditional Śaiva disciplines like bhasma (tripuṇḍra) and rudrākṣa as aids to steadiness and remembrance.