Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 2
मेना-हिमालयसंवादः
Menā’s Counsel to Himālaya; Response to Slander of Śiva
मेनोवाच । शृणु शैलेन्द्र मद्वाक्यं परिणामे सुखावहम् । पृच्छ शैववरान्सर्वान्किमुक्तं ब्राह्मणेन ह
menovāca | śṛṇu śailendra madvākyaṃ pariṇāme sukhāvaham | pṛccha śaivavarānsarvānkimuktaṃ brāhmaṇena ha
Menā said: “O lord of mountains, listen to my words, which will bring happiness in the end. Ask all the excellent devotees of Śiva what it is that the brāhmaṇa has declared.”
Menā
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga account; the verse highlights recourse to ‘śaivavarāḥ’ (excellent Śaivas) as authoritative witnesses—an implicit move toward sat-saṅga and right knowledge leading to auspicious outcome.
Significance: General pilgrimage principle implied: association with Śiva-bhaktas and inquiry into dharma regarding Śiva yields ‘pariṇāme sukhāvaham’ (happiness in the end).
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: teaching
FAQs
It teaches that decisions become auspicious when guided by śāstra-informed counsel—especially by mature Śaiva devotees—so the outcome supports dharma and ultimately leads toward Śiva’s grace (anugraha).
By directing Himālaya to consult “the best Śaivas,” the verse emphasizes living tradition: guidance from devoted worshippers of Saguna Śiva (often centered on Liṅga-pūjā) safeguards right practice and right understanding.
The practical takeaway is “saṅga and inquiry” (satsaṅga): approach sincere Śiva-bhaktas and ask about proper Śaiva conduct and worship; this supports disciplined japa (e.g., pañcākṣarī) and correct observances.