Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 1
विष्णोः स्तुतिः—शिवसतीरक्षावचनम्
Viṣṇu’s Hymn and the Petition for Śiva–Satī’s Protection
ब्रह्मोवाच । कृत्वा दक्षस्तुतादानं यौतकं विविधं ददौ । हराय सुप्रसन्नश्च द्विजेभ्यो विविधं धनम्
brahmovāca | kṛtvā dakṣastutādānaṃ yautakaṃ vividhaṃ dadau | harāya suprasannaśca dvijebhyo vividhaṃ dhanam
Brahmā sprach: Nachdem Dakṣa die Riten des Lobpreises und die zeremoniellen Gaben vollendet hatte, schenkte er eine vielfältige Mitgift. Hoch erfreut brachte er auch Hara (Śiva) mannigfaltigen Reichtum dar und verteilte verschiedene Güter an die Zweimalgeborenen (Brāhmaṇas).
Brahma
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Significance: Models dāna and honoring of Śiva and brāhmaṇas as dharmic supports for auspicious transitions; in tīrtha culture, such dāna is paired with darśana for merit (puṇya).
Offering: naivedya
FAQs
The verse highlights how worldly rites—dowry and charitable giving—are outward signs of social dharma, yet the deeper Shaiva emphasis is that all offerings ultimately gain meaning when directed toward Hara (Pati), the supreme Lord, rather than toward ego or status.
By naming Śiva as Hara and describing formal offerings, the narrative reflects Saguna worship—approaching Śiva as the personal Lord who receives devotion and gifts. In Linga-worship too, offerings symbolize surrender of possessions and pride to Śiva.
The practical takeaway is dana (charitable giving) performed with purity and devotion to Śiva—ideally alongside Shiva-puja such as offering water and bilva leaves while remembering the Panchakshara mantra, "Om Namaḥ Śivāya."