Shloka 23
शिवशिवयोर्जगत्पितृमातृत्व-प्रतिपादनं तथा मेनायाः विमोहः (Śiva–Śivā as Cosmic Father and Mother; Menā’s Delusion and the Sages’ Intervention)
ब्रह्मोवाच । ऋषीणां वचनं श्रुत्वा प्रहस्य स हिमालयः । उवाच किञ्चिद्भीतस्तु परं विनयपूर्वकम्
brahmovāca | ṛṣīṇāṃ vacanaṃ śrutvā prahasya sa himālayaḥ | uvāca kiñcidbhītastu paraṃ vinayapūrvakam
Brahmā said: Hearing the words of the sages, Himālaya smiled; yet, being somewhat afraid, he spoke with the utmost humility and courtesy.
Brahma
FAQs
The verse highlights vinaya (humility) as a Shaiva virtue: even a mighty being like Himālaya responds to sacred counsel with reverence, showing that receptivity and modesty prepare one for Shiva’s grace and auspicious outcomes.
Though the Linga is not named here, the mood aligns with Saguna Shiva devotion in the Purana: approaching Shiva’s will (often conveyed through sages and dharma) with humility and a softened ego, which is essential for fruitful worship and blessings.
The practical takeaway is to begin Shiva worship with vinaya and śravaṇa (listening): offer a respectful sankalpa, recite the Panchakshara “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” and maintain a humble, attentive mind while receiving scriptural guidance.