Shloka 17
राम उवाच । इत्युक्त्वाथ स्वयं रुद्रोऽनमद्वै गरुडध्वजम् । विष्णुभक्तिप्रसन्नात्मा वरदो भक्तवत्सलः
rāma uvāca | ityuktvātha svayaṃ rudro'namadvai garuḍadhvajam | viṣṇubhaktiprasannātmā varado bhaktavatsalaḥ
Rāma said: Having spoken thus, Rudra himself bowed to the One whose banner bears Garuḍa (Viṣṇu). Pleased at heart by devotion to Viṣṇu, that boon-granting Lord—ever affectionate to His devotees—showed reverence.
Rama
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Type: stotra
FAQs
It teaches that true bhakti is recognized by Śiva Himself: Rudra is pleased by sincere devotion (even directed to Viṣṇu), revealing humility, non-sectarian reverence, and the Lord’s readiness to bless devotees.
As Saguna Śiva (Rudra), the Lord models devotional conduct—honoring Viṣṇu—showing that Linga-worship and Hari-bhakti are not opposed when grounded in purity and surrender; devotion to the Supreme manifests through multiple revered forms.
Practice namaskāra (reverent bowing) with single-pointed bhakti, and recite Śiva’s Panchākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) while cultivating humility and respect for all divine manifestations; this inner attitude is the primary ‘sādhana’ implied.