Shloka 31
तपः–मन्त्रजप–ध्यानविधिः
Protocol of Tapas, Mantra-Japa, and Śiva-Dhyāna
अहो किन्नु भवेदेष शिवः शुभकरस्त्विह । मया चैव श्रुतम्पूर्वं कृष्णेन कथितम्पुनः
aho kinnu bhavedeṣa śivaḥ śubhakarastviha | mayā caiva śrutampūrvaṃ kṛṣṇena kathitampunaḥ
“Ah! Who indeed could this auspicious, beneficent Shiva be here? I have heard of him before as well—again and again, as it was spoken by Krishna.”
An in-story narrator/character within Shatarudrasaṃhitā (contextually a devotee/observer recalling Krishna’s words; framed by Suta Goswami’s narration to the sages)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahadeva
Mantra: śivaḥ śubhākaraḥ
Type: stotra
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse highlights śravaṇa (hearing sacred teaching) and recognition: Shiva is identified as the ever-auspicious benefactor whose presence dispels doubt and awakens devotion, a key Shaiva Siddhanta emphasis on grace (anugraha).
By calling Shiva “śubhākara” (bestower of auspiciousness) and recognizing him as present “here,” the verse supports Saguna worship—approaching Shiva as accessible and gracious, which aligns with Linga devotion as a concrete focus for reverence and remembrance.
The implied practice is śravaṇa and smaraṇa—regularly hearing Shiva-kathā and recollecting it; as a practical takeaway, recite the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” while contemplating Shiva as the source of auspiciousness.