Shloka 14
Śiva–Arjuna Yuddha and the Subjugation of Pride (Śiva-parīkṣā)
दातुं स्वदासतां तस्मै भक्तवश्यतया मुने । शिवेनैव कृतं ह्येतच्चरितन्नान्यथा भवेत्
dātuṃ svadāsatāṃ tasmai bhaktavaśyatayā mune | śivenaiva kṛtaṃ hyetaccaritannānyathā bhavet
O sage, conquered by devotion, Śiva Himself performed this deed—to grant that devotee the state of being His own servant; it could not have happened otherwise.
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages at Naimisharanya, inferred from Purana dialogue convention in this Samhita)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahadeva
Type: stotra
Role: liberating
FAQs
It teaches that Śiva, the supreme Pati, freely grants His grace when devotion becomes mature—so powerful that the Lord is said to be “conquered” by bhakti—bestowing intimate nearness expressed as servitude to Him.
In Saguna worship (such as Linga-pūjā), devotion is offered through love, surrender, and service; this verse affirms that such heartfelt bhakti draws Śiva’s direct response and blessing, making the relationship personal and experiential.
Cultivate bhakti through daily Śiva-pūjā and japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with the attitude of dāsa-bhāva (humble service), seeking Śiva’s grace rather than merely worldly results.