Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 20
Kūrma Supports Mandara; Hālahala Appears; Śiva Becomes Nīlakaṇṭha
विलोक्य तं देववरं त्रिलोक्या भवाय देव्याभिमतं मुनीनाम् । आसीनमद्रावपवर्गहेतो- स्तपो जुषाणं स्तुतिभि: प्रणेमु: ॥ २० ॥
vilokya taṁ deva-varaṁ tri-lokyā bhavāya devyābhimataṁ munīnām āsīnam adrāv apavarga-hetos tapo juṣāṇaṁ stutibhiḥ praṇemuḥ
The demigods beheld the foremost of gods, Mahādeva, seated upon the summit of Mount Kailāsa with Bhavānī, engaged in austerity for the auspicious welfare of the three worlds. Great sages yearning for liberation were worshiping him; and the demigods, with deep reverence, offered obeisances and hymns of praise.
FAQs
Because they recognize Śiva as the exalted deva revered across the three worlds, dear to sages and Devī, and they approach him with stuti and pranāma while he is engaged in tapasya for liberation.
'Apavarga-hetoḥ' means “for the purpose of liberation (mokṣa),” indicating that Lord Śiva is absorbed in austerity aimed at spiritual freedom.
It teaches respectful approach to saintly and divine personalities—seeking shelter with humility, offering sincere prayers, and valuing tapasya (disciplined spiritual practice) as a path toward inner freedom.