Shloka 15
ब्राह्मणीमरणवर्णनम् (Account of the Brahmin Woman’s Death) — within Nandikeśvara-māhātmya
सूत उवाच । सम्यक्पृष्टं भवद्भिश्च कथयामि यथाश्रुतम् । शौनकाद्याश्च मुनयः सर्वे हि शृणुतादरात्
sūta uvāca | samyakpṛṣṭaṃ bhavadbhiśca kathayāmi yathāśrutam | śaunakādyāśca munayaḥ sarve hi śṛṇutādarāt
Sūta said: “You have asked well; I shall relate it exactly as I have heard. O sages beginning with Śaunaka—indeed all of you—listen with reverent attention.”
Suta Goswami (Sūta)
FAQs
It establishes śravaṇa (reverent listening) as a primary doorway to grace: sacred knowledge about Śiva is to be received through an authentic lineage (“as heard”) and absorbed with respect, which purifies the mind and supports liberation-oriented devotion.
In the Kotirudra context—famous for Jyotirliṅga glory—this verse frames the coming narration as an authoritative guide for Saguna Śiva worship through Liṅga-mahātmya: listening attentively prepares the devotee for faith-filled pilgrimage, pūjā, and remembrance.
The direct practice is disciplined listening (śravaṇa) with ādarā (reverence). As a takeaway, one may hear/recite Shiva Purana passages before Liṅga-pūjā, mentally repeating “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” to steady attention while receiving the teaching.