Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 14
योगाचार्यरूपेण शर्वावताराः (Śarva’s manifestations as Yoga-Teachers)
सुधामा कश्यपश्चैव वसिष्ठो विरजास्तथा । अत्रिरुग्रो गुरुश्रेष्ठः श्रवनोथ श्रविष्टकः
sudhāmā kaśyapaścaiva vasiṣṭho virajāstathā | atrirugro guruśreṣṭhaḥ śravanotha śraviṣṭakaḥ
Sudhāmā, Kaśyapa, Vasiṣṭha und auch Virajā; Atri, Ugra, der vorzüglichste der Gurus, ebenso Śravaṇa und Śraviṣṭaka — dies sind die Verehrungswürdigen, die hier aufgezählt werden.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse reverentially enumerates accomplished seers, highlighting that Shaiva wisdom is preserved and transmitted through realized rishis and the guru-lineage—an essential support for progressing from pasha (bondage) toward Shiva’s grace (pati-anugraha).
By honoring the rishis and foremost gurus, the text underscores that authentic Linga/Saguna-Shiva worship is learned through proper instruction and scriptural tradition, not mere personal invention—ensuring devotion is aligned with Shaiva dharma.
The implied practice is śravaṇa (devotional listening) and guru-sevā: regularly hear Shiva-kathā from qualified teachers, then support it with steady japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) as taught in the tradition.