Shloka 14
Śivapūjā-stuti: Deva-Ṛṣi-Paramparāyāṃ Śaṃkara-caritasya Prastāvaḥ
Prelude to Śaṃkara’s narrative and the lineage of Śiva-worship
शुकश्च शौनकाद्याश्च शङ्करस्य प्रपूजकाः । अन्येऽपि बहवस्सन्ति मुनयो मुनिसत्तमाः
śukaśca śaunakādyāśca śaṅkarasya prapūjakāḥ | anye'pi bahavassanti munayo munisattamāḥ
Śuka, Śaunaka, and others too are devoted worshippers of Śaṅkara. Many other sages as well—the best among ascetics—are indeed present as His reverent devotees.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
The verse highlights that the highest sages—exemplified by Śuka and Śaunaka—are foremost among Śiva’s worshippers, implying that true spiritual excellence culminates in devoted reverence to Pati (Śiva), the liberating Lord.
By naming renowned ṛṣis as “prapūjakāḥ” of Śaṅkara, the text affirms the legitimacy of Saguna worship—commonly expressed in Śiva Purāṇa through Liṅga-pūjā—as a revered path embraced by realized sages.
The takeaway is satsanga with Śiva-bhaktas and steady Śiva-pūjā—such as daily Liṅga worship with the Pañcākṣarī mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), along with traditional aids like bhasma (tripuṇḍra) and rudrākṣa where appropriate.