Shloka 128
Vyāsotpatti-kathana
Account of the Birth/Origin of Vyāsa
यत्र पूर्वोत्तरे खण्डे शिवस्य चरितं बहु । शैवमेतत्पुराणं हि पुराणज्ञा वदन्ति च
yatra pūrvottare khaṇḍe śivasya caritaṃ bahu | śaivametatpurāṇaṃ hi purāṇajñā vadanti ca
That Purāṇa in which, in both the earlier and the later sections, the deeds and sacred exploits of Śiva are described in abundance—learned knowers of the Purāṇas indeed declare that Purāṇa to be truly Śaiva in character.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Sthala Purana: Not a specific shrine legend; the verse defines a Purāṇa as ‘Śaiva’ by the abundance of Śiva-carita across its sections, reflecting the Purāṇic criterion of devatā-prādhānya (deity predominance).
Significance: Hearing Śiva-carita is framed as bhakti-śravaṇa that, in Siddhānta terms, ripens the paśu toward Śiva’s anugraha (grace) and loosens pāśa through right understanding and devotion.
Type: stotra
FAQs
It defines a truly Śaiva Purāṇa as one that consistently centers Śiva’s līlā, glory, and teaching across its sections, guiding the seeker toward devotion (bhakti) and liberation through Pati (Śiva) as the supreme refuge.
By stating that Śiva’s ‘carita’ is the core criterion, it supports Saguna-upāsanā—approaching Śiva through describable forms and deeds such as Liṅga-worship—while pointing to the same Śiva as the highest reality revered in Śaiva Siddhānta.
A practical takeaway is to engage in regular Śiva-kathā (listening/recitation of Śiva’s deeds) alongside japa of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” as a Shaiva-centered discipline.