Shloka 44
Dāruvana-parīkṣā: Śaṅkara’s Test and the Linga’s Ritual-Theological Grounding
पूजितः परया भक्त्या प्रार्थितः शंकरस्तदा । सुप्रसन्नस्ततो भूत्वा तानुवाच महेश्वरः
pūjitaḥ parayā bhaktyā prārthitaḥ śaṃkarastadā | suprasannastato bhūtvā tānuvāca maheśvaraḥ
Thus worshipped with supreme devotion and earnestly entreated, Śaṅkara became exceedingly gracious; then Mahēśvara spoke to them.
Suta Goswami (narrating the episode; the next speech is by Lord Shiva/Maheshvara)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Sthala Purana: General purāṇic motif: when devas/ṛṣis perform parā-bhakti and prārthanā, Śiva becomes suprasanna and grants instruction/boon; this verse functions as the narrative hinge into Śiva’s upadeśa about liṅga-sthāpana.
Significance: Models the siddhāntic principle that Śiva’s anugraha (grace) is elicited by bhakti and proper worship, leading to śānti and auspicious outcomes.
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It highlights the Shaiva Siddhanta emphasis on Śiva’s anugraha (grace): when worship is offered with para-bhakti (supreme devotion) and sincere prayer, the Lord becomes suprasanna—readily bestowing guidance and blessings.
The verse reflects Saguna-upasana in Purana narrative: devotees worship and petition Śaṅkara in a personal form, and the compassionate Mahēśvara responds—mirroring how Linga worship culminates in the Lord’s felt presence and instruction.
The takeaway is bhakti-centered worship: perform pūjā with focused devotion and prayer, supported by japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and inner surrender, seeking Śiva’s prasāda (gracious response).