Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 30
सेवातत्त्वप्रश्नः — The Question of Whom to Serve (Sevā) for the Removal of Suffering
तदेव कथयाम्यद्य श्रूयतामृषिसत्तम । पद्मरागमयं शक्रो हेम विश्र वसस्सुतः
tadeva kathayāmyadya śrūyatāmṛṣisattama | padmarāgamayaṃ śakro hema viśra vasassutaḥ
„Eben diese Begebenheit will ich heute berichten—höre, o Bester der Weisen. Indra (Śakra), der Sohn des Vasu, fertigte es aus Rubin (padmarāga) und aus Gold von mannigfaltigem Glanz.“
Sūta Gosvāmī (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Sthala Purana: Beginning of a descriptive catalogue: specific devas receive liṅgas made of particular substances. Indra’s liṅga is described as ruby (padmarāga) and gold—indicating splendor, sovereignty, and merit-based endowment.
Significance: Material symbolism supports devotion: precious substances signify śraddhā and royal patronage; yet Siddhānta stresses that Śiva’s grace, not mere material, is decisive.
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It contrasts divine opulence (gold, rubies, celestial craftsmanship) with the Purāṇic aim: to hear sacred narration that ultimately turns the mind toward Śiva—the supreme Pati—showing that splendour is secondary to śravaṇa (devout listening) and inner devotion.
By mentioning precious substances used in crafting, it echoes how devotees may offer valuable materials in Saguna worship; yet the Shiva Purana repeatedly implies that the highest offering is bhakti and attentive hearing of Śiva-kathā, which purifies the heart for true Liṅga-upāsanā.
The direct instruction is śravaṇa—listening with reverence. As a practical takeaway, one may pair Shiva-kathā listening with japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) to internalize the teaching beyond external grandeur.