Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 40
ध्यानप्रकारनिर्णयः / Determination of the Modes of Meditation
on Śrīkaṇṭha-Śiva
ते विदंति महाभोगानंते योगं च शांकरम् । भोगार्थिभिर्नरैस्तस्मात्संपूज्याः शिवयोगिनः
te vidaṃti mahābhogānaṃte yogaṃ ca śāṃkaram | bhogārthibhirnaraistasmātsaṃpūjyāḥ śivayoginaḥ
They know the supreme enjoyments, and they also know the Śāṅkara Yoga—bestowed by Śiva—that leads beyond all enjoyment. Therefore, those who seek worldly pleasures should duly honor and worship the yogins devoted to Śiva.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Sthala Purana: No direct Jyotirliṅga narrative; the verse frames Śiva-yogins as knowers of both bhoga (worldly enjoyments) and the transcending Śāṅkara-yoga, implying their authority as guides.
Significance: General: honoring Śiva-yogins is meritorious; seekers of bhoga gain refined enjoyment and protection, while seekers of mokṣa gain instruction toward Śiva-yoga.
Role: teaching
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It teaches that Shiva’s yogins understand both bhoga (worldly enjoyment) and the higher Śāṅkara-yoga that transcends it; honoring such devotees becomes a means to gain right guidance and Shiva’s grace toward liberation.
In Shaiva practice, reverence to Shiva’s devotees is treated as reverence to Saguna Shiva Himself; serving Shiva-yogins supports Linga-worship by cultivating devotion, purity, and correct understanding of Shiva’s path.
The verse implies seva (service) and pūjā of Shiva devotees—offering respect, hospitality, and support—alongside adopting Śāṅkara-yoga such as mantra-japa (e.g., Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and disciplined meditation under their guidance.