Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 18
शिवस्य आश्वासनं हरि-ब्रह्मणोः तथा शङ्खचूडवृत्तान्तकथनम् / Śiva’s Reassurance to Hari and Brahmā; Account of Śaṅkhacūḍa’s Origin
सनत्कुमार उवाच । इत्यूचिवाञ्शिवो यावद्धरिब्रह्मपुरः कथाम् । अभवत्तावदन्यच्च चरितं तन्मुने शृणु
sanatkumāra uvāca | ityūcivāñśivo yāvaddharibrahmapuraḥ kathām | abhavattāvadanyacca caritaṃ tanmune śṛṇu
Sanatkumāra said: While Śiva was thus narrating the account concerning Hari and Brahmā, another episode occurred. O sage, listen to that narrative.
Sanatkumara
FAQs
It highlights the Purāṇic method of sacred narration: Śiva’s discourse itself becomes a vehicle of grace, and the devotee is asked to listen (śravaṇa) as events unfold under divine will, reinforcing Śiva as the guiding Pati (Lord) who directs the cosmic story.
Though the verse is transitional, it centers on Saguna Śiva—Śiva who speaks, teaches, and acts in time. Such narration supports devotional worship where the Lord is approached through form, qualities, and līlā, which in Shaiva Siddhānta becomes a valid means for purification and devotion leading toward liberation.
The direct practice implied is attentive listening and contemplation (śravaṇa–manana) of Śiva-kathā; one may pair it with japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” to internalize the teaching while hearing the Purāṇa.