Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 35
Mārkaṇḍeya Ṛṣi Meets Lord Śiva: Devotee as Living Tīrtha and the Lord’s Māyā
सूत उवाच इत्यर्चितोऽभिष्टुतश्च मुनिना सूक्तया गिरा । तमाह भगवाञ्छर्व: शर्वया चाभिनन्दित: ॥ ३५ ॥
sūta uvāca ity arcito ’bhiṣṭutaś ca muninā sūktayā girā tam āha bhagavāñ charvaḥ śarvayā cābhinanditaḥ
Sūta Gosvāmī said: Thus worshiped and praised by the sage Mārkaṇḍeya with well-spoken words, and encouraged by his consort Śarvāṇī, Bhagavān Śarva (Śiva) replied to him as follows.
FAQs
This verse shows that Lord Śiva is pleased when a devotee or sage worships him and offers heartfelt, well-spoken praises; such sincere stuti invites his gracious response.
Because the sage’s worship and eloquent glorification satisfied Lord Śiva, and with Pārvatī’s approving encouragement, Śiva responded by speaking—indicating acceptance of the devotee’s devotion.
Offer focused, sincere prayers with gratitude and humility; disciplined, heartfelt glorification deepens devotion and invites clarity and guidance in one’s spiritual practice.