Shloka 1
पितृसर्ग-श्राद्धमाहात्म्य-प्रश्नः
Pitṛ-sarga and the Greatness of Śrāddha: The Inquiry
व्यास उवाच । इत्याकर्ण्य श्राद्धदेवः सूर्यान्वयमनुत्तमम् । पर्य्यपृच्छन्मुनिश्रेष्ठश्शौनकस्सूतमादरात्
vyāsa uvāca | ityākarṇya śrāddhadevaḥ sūryānvayamanuttamam | paryyapṛcchanmuniśreṣṭhaśśaunakassūtamādarāt
Vyāsa said: Having thus heard the unsurpassed lineage of the Sun, the foremost sage Śaunaka—also known as Śrāddhadeva—respectfully questioned Sūta with reverence.
Vyasa
Role: teaching
FAQs
It highlights the Shaiva path of śravaṇa (reverent listening) followed by praśna (humble inquiry), a disciplined way to receive liberating knowledge that turns the mind toward Pati (Lord Shiva) and away from bondage.
Though the verse is narrative, it sets the proper devotional method: hearing sacred lineage and teachings from an authentic narrator (Sūta) with reverence—an attitude essential for fruitful Saguna Shiva worship, including Linga-upāsanā.
The implied practice is Purāṇa-śravaṇa with श्रद्धा (faith) and respectful questioning; it may be paired with simple Shaiva observances like chanting the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) before listening.