Shloka 18
यद्यपि त्वां करं दत्त्वा बहुवारं महेश्वरः । अशिक्षयत्पुरा शाल्वप्रमुखाकृतिभिर्हरे
yadyapi tvāṃ karaṃ dattvā bahuvāraṃ maheśvaraḥ | aśikṣayatpurā śālvapramukhākṛtibhirhare
O Hari (Viṣṇu), although Maheśvara, taking you by the hand again and again, instructed and trained you in former times—assuming forms such as Śālva and others—still, this present situation has arisen.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Rudra-saṃhitā account to the sages, conveying the puranic dialogue context)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Rudra
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga account; it recalls prior episodes where Śiva, by assuming various forms, ‘trained’ Viṣṇu—illustrating divine pedagogy and the persistence of delusion (tirodhāna) even among devas.
Significance: Encourages humility: even exalted beings require Śiva’s instruction; remembrance of Śiva’s past interventions strengthens śraddhā and corrects pride.
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse highlights Śiva as Maheśvara—the supreme Guru—who repeatedly guides even great deities. In Shaiva Siddhanta terms, it points to Pati (Śiva) as the ultimate bestower of right knowledge and discipline that leads the soul beyond bondage.
By portraying Maheśvara actively teaching and assuming forms, the verse supports Saguna worship—Śiva’s compassionate, accessible presence. Linga-worship similarly centers on approaching Śiva as the living Guru-principle who reveals grace (anugraha) through tangible forms and symbols.
A practical takeaway is Guru-bhāva toward Śiva: daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrākṣa, praying for śikṣā (inner training) and steadiness in dharma.