Shloka 13
Umā-caritra-prārthanā: Ṛṣayaḥ Sūtaṃ Pṛcchanti
Request for the Account of Umā
एतत्पृष्टः पुरा मेधास्सुरथेन महात्मना । यदुक्तं मेधसा पूर्वं तच्छृणुष्व वदामि ते
etatpṛṣṭaḥ purā medhāssurathena mahātmanā | yaduktaṃ medhasā pūrvaṃ tacchṛṇuṣva vadāmi te
In former times, the sage Medhā was asked this very matter by the great-souled Suratha. Now listen as I tell you what Medhā had earlier spoken.
Narrator (inferred: a Purāṇic narrator continuing Medhā’s prior teaching, as framed within Umāsaṃhitā discourse)
FAQs
It highlights śravaṇa (listening) and the faithful transmission of sacred teaching—wisdom is received through an authentic lineage of narration, preparing the seeker for right understanding and devotion.
Though the verse is introductory, it frames the teaching as received instruction—an essential step before ritual and contemplative worship. In Shaiva practice, correct hearing of Shiva-tattva and worship methods supports meaningful Saguna devotion and leads toward realization.
The direct practice implied is śravaṇa and manana—listening attentively to Shiva Purana teachings and reflecting on them—often paired in Shaiva tradition with japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) after receiving instruction.