Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 52
शिवविहारवर्णनम् (Śivavihāra-varṇana) — “Description of Śiva’s Divine Pastimes/Sojourn”
तत्र दृष्ट्वा शिवं विष्णुर्नसुरैर्विस्मितोऽभवत् । तत्र स्थिताञ् शिवगणान् पप्रच्छ विनयान्वितः
tatra dṛṣṭvā śivaṃ viṣṇurnasurairvismito'bhavat | tatra sthitāñ śivagaṇān papraccha vinayānvitaḥ
There, on beholding Lord Śiva, Viṣṇu became astonished—unlike the asuras. Then, with humility, he inquired of the Śiva-gaṇas who were standing there.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
The verse highlights vinaya (humility) as a Shaiva virtue: even Viṣṇu approaches Śiva with reverence, showing that true wisdom recognizes Pati (Śiva) as the supreme refuge and seeks guidance from His divine retinue.
By depicting Viṣṇu’s direct, humble approach to Śiva and His gaṇas, the text affirms Saguna worship—approaching the Lord through His manifest presence, attendants, and sacred sphere—an attitude central to Linga-bhakti and temple devotion.
The practical takeaway is vinaya with upāsanā: approach Śiva with respectful inquiry and surrender—supported by japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and prayerful contemplation before the Liṅga.