Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 58

बाणासुरस्य शङ्करस्तुतिः तथा युद्धयाचनम् | Bāṇāsura’s Praise of Śiva and Petition for Battle

Devanagari script

अंतःपुरद्वारगतैर्वेत्रजर्जरपाणिभिः । इंगितैरनुमानैश्च कन्यादौःशील्यमाचरन्

Transliteration

aṃtaḥpuradvāragatairvetrajarjarapāṇibhiḥ | iṃgitairanumānaiśca kanyādauḥśīlyamācaran

Translation

Am Tor der inneren Gemächer standen die Diener, Stäbe und Knüppel in den Händen; durch Zeichen und vorsichtige Schlüsse verhielten sie sich so, dass sie den Charakter und Wandel der Jungfrau prüften und feststellten.

Word by Word

• अन्तःपुरद्वारगतैः: by those stationed at the inner-palace gate
• अन्तःपुरद्वारगतैः: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: अन्तःपुर-द्वार-गत (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया (करण), बहुवचन — Masculine, Instrumental, Plural; समासः तत्पुरुषः (अन्तःपुरस्य द्वारं तत्र गताः)

• वेत्रजर्जरपाणिभिः: by (men) whose hands were worn by carrying staffs
• वेत्रजर्जरपाणिभिः: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: वेत्र-जर्जर-पाणि (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया (करण), बहुवचन — Masculine, Instrumental, Plural; समासः तत्पुरुषः (वेत्रेण जर्जराः पाणयः येषाम्)

• इङ्गितैः: by gestures/signs
• इङ्गितैः: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: इङ्गित (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, तृतीया (करण), बहुवचन — Neuter, Instrumental, Plural

• अनुमानैः: by inferences
• अनुमानैः: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: अनुमान (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, तृतीया (करण), बहुवचन — Neuter, Instrumental, Plural

• च: and
• च: Samuccaya (समुच्चय)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: च (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्यय — समुच्चयबोधक (conjunction)

• कन्यादौःशील्यम्: the girl’s misconduct/ill conduct
• कन्यादौःशील्यम्: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: कन्या-दौःशील्य (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (कर्म), एकवचन — Neuter, Accusative, Singular; समासः षष्ठी-तत्पुरुषः (कन्यायाः दौःशील्यम्)

• आचरन्: they observed/practised (i.e., inferred/recognized)
• आचरन्: Kriya (क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: आ-चर् (धातु)
• Form: लङ् (अनद्यतनभूत), प्रथमपुरुष, बहुवचन — Imperfect, 3rd person, Plural

Speaker

Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)

Shaiva Theology

Tattva Level: pashu

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in the Shiva Purana?

It highlights discernment (viveka) in worldly duties—using signs and inference to act responsibly—while the Purana’s broader Shaiva vision ultimately directs the mind from social appearances toward inner purity and devotion to Pati (Śiva).

How does this verse relate to the worship of the Linga or Saguna Shiva?

Indirectly: it depicts external assessment of conduct, whereas Linga/Saguṇa-Śiva worship emphasizes inner transformation—purifying character through bhakti, mantra, and right conduct rather than merely judging appearances.

What ritualistic or meditative practice is suggested here?

No specific rite is prescribed in this verse; the practical takeaway is mindful observation and self-examination. In Shaiva practice, this is supported by daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) to refine conduct.