Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 8
सेवातत्त्वप्रश्नः — The Question of Whom to Serve (Sevā) for the Removal of Suffering
ब्रह्मोवाच । इति पृष्टास्तदा तेन विष्णुना च मया सुराः । पुनः प्रणम्य तं प्रीत्या किं कार्यं विद्यतेऽधुना । विनिवेदयितुं कार्यं ह्यब्रुवन्वचनं शुभम्
brahmovāca | iti pṛṣṭāstadā tena viṣṇunā ca mayā surāḥ | punaḥ praṇamya taṃ prītyā kiṃ kāryaṃ vidyate'dhunā | vinivedayituṃ kāryaṃ hyabruvanvacanaṃ śubham
Brahmā sprach: So wurden damals die Götter von Viṣṇu und von mir befragt; da verneigten sie sich erneut in Liebe vor Ihm und sprachen glückverheißende Worte: „Welche Aufgabe ist jetzt zu tun? Es ist unsere Pflicht, vorzutragen und Bericht zu erstatten.“
Brahma
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
FAQs
It highlights the dharmic posture of the devas—humble surrender, affectionate reverence, and truthful reporting—signaling that right action begins with turning to the Supreme Lord (Pati) for guidance.
The verse models saguna-bhakti: approaching the Lord as a personal, hearable, and guidable reality—bowing, speaking, and seeking instruction—an attitude central to Linga-worship and devotional service.
The practical takeaway is praṇāma (prostration) with prīti (loving intent) before prayer or japa—beginning any worship (such as pañcākṣarī japa) by surrendering one’s task and seeking divine direction.