Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 46
दक्षयज्ञे सत्या अपमानबोधः — Satī Encounters Disrespect at Dakṣa’s Sacrifice
महद्विनिंदा नाश्चर्यं सर्वदाऽसत्सु सेर्ष्यकम् । महदंघ्रिरजो ध्वस्ततमस्सु सैव शोभना
mahadviniṃdā nāścaryaṃ sarvadā'satsu serṣyakam | mahadaṃghrirajo dhvastatamassu saiva śobhanā
Die Verächtlichmachung der Großen ist kein Wunder—unter den Unwahren und Unreinen ist sie stets mit Neid verbunden. Doch für jene, deren Dunkel durch den Staub von den Füßen des Großen Herrn vernichtet wurde, wird eben dies zum Schmuck, denn es lässt ihre standhafte Hingabe umso heller erstrahlen.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Type: stotra
FAQs
It teaches that criticism of the truly great is common among the envious, but a devotee whose inner darkness is removed by Shiva’s grace remains unshaken; even opposition becomes a cause for greater inner beauty and steadfast bhakti.
By pointing to the ‘dust of the Lord’s feet’ as grace that destroys tamas, the verse supports Saguna worship—approaching Shiva through reverence, surrender, and sacred symbols (like the Linga) that anchor the mind in devotion beyond worldly blame.
Practice humility and remembrance of Shiva—daily japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) while cultivating surrender at Shiva’s feet; this inner orientation is the ‘dust’ that dispels tamas and envy-driven agitation.