Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 14
अनुग्रह-स्वातन्त्र्य-प्रमाणविचारः | Inquiry into Pramāṇa, Divine Autonomy, and Grace
यथा काष्ठेष्वनारूढो न वह्निरुपलभ्यते । एवं शिवो ऽपि मूर्त्यात्मन्यनारूढ इति स्थितिः
yathā kāṣṭheṣvanārūḍho na vahnirupalabhyate | evaṃ śivo 'pi mūrtyātmanyanārūḍha iti sthitiḥ
যেমন কাঠে অগ্নি থাকলেও, যতক্ষণ না তা প্রজ্বলিত হয়, ততক্ষণ উপলব্ধি হয় না; তেমনি শিবও, যতক্ষণ না মূর্তিরূপে প্রকাশিত হন, ততক্ষণ ধরা পড়েন না—এটাই স্থির সিদ্ধান্ত।
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Īśāna
FAQs
It teaches that the Supreme Pati (Śiva) is ever-present yet not grasped by ordinary perception until He is revealed through a suitable upāya (means)—such as divine grace, inner realization, or a manifest support for contemplation.
Like fire becomes knowable through its manifestation, the Nirguna Lord is approached through Saguna supports—especially the Śiva-liṅga and consecrated mūrtis—where the devotee can focus mind and devotion and thereby recognize the indwelling Śiva.
Meditate on Śiva with a tangible support (liṅga-dhyāna) while repeating the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” using vibhūti (tripuṇḍra) and/or rudrākṣa as aids to steadiness and remembrance, so the unmanifest becomes experientially “manifest” in awareness.