Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 49
सती-शिवचरित्रप्रसङ्गः / The Account of Satī and Śiva’s Divine Conduct
Prelude to Detailed Narrative
राम उवाच । प्रेमतस्त्वं सति ब्रूहि क्व शंभुस्ते नमोगतः । एका हि विपिने कस्मादागता पतिना विना
rāma uvāca | prematastvaṃ sati brūhi kva śaṃbhuste namogataḥ | ekā hi vipine kasmādāgatā patinā vinā
Rāma sprach: „O Satī, sage mir in Liebe und Wahrheit: Wohin ist dein Śambhu gegangen? Warum bist du allein in diesen Wald gekommen, ohne deinen Gemahl?“
Rama
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse highlights loving inquiry into the Lord’s presence: devotion (prema) seeks clarity, and Satī’s solitary movement prompts reflection on dharma, protection, and the devotee’s relationship with Pati (Śiva) as the supreme refuge.
By naming Śambhu directly and asking where He has gone, the verse emphasizes Saguna-bhakti—relating to Śiva as a personal Lord who can be approached, remembered, and sought, which is foundational to Purāṇic Shiva worship including Linga-upāsanā.
The practical takeaway is affectionate remembrance and inquiry—mentally turning to Śiva with love; this aligns with japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) as a steady inner practice when separation, doubt, or uncertainty arises.