Shloka 36
व्योमवाणी-श्रवणं, गणानां शरणागमनं, सती-दाह-वृत्तान्तः — Hearing the Heavenly Voice; The Gaṇas Seek Refuge; Account of Satī’s Self-Immolation
लीलामात्रेण ते शंभो कार्यं यद्यपि सिद्ध्यति । तथाप्यहं प्रेषणीयो तवैवानुग्रहो ह्ययम्
līlāmātreṇa te śaṃbho kāryaṃ yadyapi siddhyati | tathāpyahaṃ preṣaṇīyo tavaivānugraho hyayam
O Śambhu, although by Your mere play (līlā) the intended work is already accomplished, still I am to be sent forth as Your emissary—indeed, this itself is Your grace upon me.
Nandi (Shiva’s attendant), speaking to Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
FAQs
It teaches that Shiva’s work is accomplished effortlessly by His līlā, yet He grants devotees the blessing of participation; being chosen for service is itself anugraha (grace) and deepens humility and surrender.
It reflects Saguna Shiva’s accessible, personal relationship with devotees: the Lord who is complete in Himself still accepts loving service, mirroring how Linga-worship is an offering of devotion rather than something Shiva ‘needs’.
The takeaway is bhakti expressed as seva: daily Shiva-puja with the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), offering bilva leaves and vibhuti (Tripundra) while mentally dedicating all actions as Shiva’s command.