Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 44
विष्णूत्पत्तिवर्णनम्
Description of the Origin/Manifestation of Viṣṇu
तपः कुरु दृढो भूत्वा परमं कार्यसाधनम् । इत्युक्त्वा श्वासमार्गेण ददौ च निगमं ततः
tapaḥ kuru dṛḍho bhūtvā paramaṃ kāryasādhanam | ityuktvā śvāsamārgeṇa dadau ca nigamaṃ tataḥ
„Übe Tapas, standhaft geworden—dies ist das höchste Mittel, das Vorhaben zu vollenden.“ Nachdem Er dies gesprochen hatte, verlieh Er sodann die Nigama (vedische Offenbarung) auf dem Weg des Atems.
Lord Shiva (as the supreme teacher imparting revelation in the Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa context)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Role: teaching
FAQs
It teaches that unwavering tapas (disciplined austerity) is a highest instrument for spiritual accomplishment, and that true knowledge (Nigama) ultimately descends by Shiva’s grace, purified through inner regulation such as the breath.
Saguna Shiva is approached through steady practice—worship, vows, and austerity—so the devotee becomes fit to receive Shiva’s revelation. The verse frames realization not as mere effort, but as Shiva bestowing sacred authority (Nigama) when the seeker is firm.
It points to tapas supported by breath-discipline (śvāsa-mārga)—a yogic inward practice such as regulated breathing with mantra-japa (e.g., Panchakshara) to purify the mind so divine knowledge can arise.