Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 37
नभोवाणी-दक्ष-निन्दा तथा सती-माहात्म्य-प्रतिपादनम् / The Celestial Voice Rebukes Dakṣa and Proclaims Satī’s Greatness
तच्छ्रुत्वा व्योमवचनं सर्वे हर्यादयस्सुराः । अकार्षुर्विस्मयं तात मुनयश्च तथा परे
tacchrutvā vyomavacanaṃ sarve haryādayassurāḥ | akārṣurvismayaṃ tāta munayaśca tathā pare
Als sie jene Verkündigung aus dem Himmel vernahmen, gerieten alle Götter—allen voran Hari—in staunendes Erstaunen; ebenso die Weisen und die anderen, o Lieber.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Sthala Purana: The devas’ astonishment after the sky-proclamation underscores their limited sovereignty: as paśu (bound beings), they are subject to higher ordinance and to the consequences of ritual arrogance.
Significance: Encourages humility in worship: even exalted devas are not beyond bewilderment when Pati’s will interrupts; the devotee should seek refuge in Śiva rather than mere ritual status.
FAQs
The verse highlights vismaya (sacred awe) arising from divine revelation—an inner opening that softens ego and prepares devas and sages alike to receive Śiva-tattva with humility and devotion.
A ‘voice from the sky’ functions as scriptural command (ādeśa) guiding beings toward Saguna worship—where Śiva becomes approachable through signs, rites, and ultimately the Linga as a focus for bhakti and grace.
Cultivate śravaṇa (devotional listening) and japa—especially the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—with a reverent mind; sacred awe (vismaya) is treated as a supportive bhāva for mantra and pūjā.