Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 45
दक्षयज्ञोत्तरवृत्तान्तः
Post–Dakṣa-Yajña Developments and the Appeal to Viṣṇu
वंदितांघ्रिस्तदा सर्वैर्दिव्यैर्विष्ण्वादिभिश्शिवः । ननामाथ यथा विष्णुं कश्यपं लोकसद्गतिः
vaṃditāṃghristadā sarvairdivyairviṣṇvādibhiśśivaḥ | nanāmātha yathā viṣṇuṃ kaśyapaṃ lokasadgatiḥ
Then Śiva—whose feet were worshipped by all the divine beings beginning with Viṣṇu—bowed in return, in the same manner as Viṣṇu bows to Kaśyapa, the venerable refuge of the worlds.
Sūta Gosvāmin
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
It highlights Śiva’s līlā as Saguna Pati: though worshipped by the gods, he models dharma through humility and mutual reverence, teaching that true greatness is expressed as grace and right conduct.
Even when approached as the supreme Lord in worship (as in Liṅga/Saguna devotion), Śiva responds with compassion and respectful reciprocity—showing that devotion culminates in refined conduct, not pride.
Practice namaskāra with the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) before worship, and cultivate humility—honoring gurus, elders, and devas as part of Śiva-bhakti.