Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 30
प्रयागे महत्समाजः — शिवदर्शनं दक्षागमनं च
The Great Assembly at Prayāga: Śiva’s Appearance and Dakṣa’s Arrival
नन्दीश्वर उवाच । रे दक्ष शठ दुर्बुद्धे वृथैव शिवकिंकराः । शप्तास्ते ब्रह्मचापल्याच्छिवतत्त्वमजानता
nandīśvara uvāca | re dakṣa śaṭha durbuddhe vṛthaiva śivakiṃkarāḥ | śaptāste brahmacāpalyācchivatattvamajānatā
Nandīśvara sprach: »He, Dakṣa, du Trüger mit verkehrtem Verstand! Vergeblich hast du die Diener Śivas verflucht. Jene Flüche entsprangen nur einer brahmāgleichen Unbesonnenheit, denn du kennst das wahre Tattva, das Prinzip Śivas, nicht.«
Nandīśvara (Nandī)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
FAQs
The verse teaches that offenses rooted in arrogance become spiritually futile when one is ignorant of Śiva-tattva; true dharma is to honor Śiva and His devotees, cultivating humility and devotion rather than pride.
By emphasizing Śiva-tattva, the verse supports Saguna worship (Liṅga and Śiva’s attendants) as sacred manifestations of Śiva’s presence; disrespect toward Śiva’s devotees is treated as ignorance of the very reality the Liṅga signifies.
A practical takeaway is to practice bhakti with humility—recite the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), apply Tripuṇḍra with reverence, and avoid aparādha (offense) toward Śiva’s devotees while cultivating inner surrender.