Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 57
देवस्तुतिः (Devastuti) — Hymn/Praise of the Devas
प्रत्यूचुः प्रस्तुतं दीनास्स्वार्थं स्वार्थविचक्षणाः । वासवाद्या नतस्कधाः कृताञ्जलि पुटा मुने
pratyūcuḥ prastutaṃ dīnāssvārthaṃ svārthavicakṣaṇāḥ | vāsavādyā nataskadhāḥ kṛtāñjali puṭā mune
Then, though distressed yet intent on their own welfare, Indra and the other gods—keen to secure their purpose—replied to the sage, bowing their shoulders in humility and joining their hands in reverent supplication.
Devas (Indra and the other gods) speaking to a sage
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It highlights that even mighty devas must adopt humility (namaskāra, añjali) and seek higher guidance; in Shaiva thought, grace arises when ego yields and one turns toward the right refuge.
The posture of folded hands and bowed stance is the same devotional orientation used in Saguna Shiva worship—approaching the Lord (often through the Linga) with reverence, dependence, and sincere petition for protection and right order (dharma).
Practice añjali (folded hands) with inner surrender before japa or pūjā—especially with the Panchākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—cultivating humility as the mental offering that supports mantra and worship.