Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 36
शिवज्ञान-प्रश्नः तथा सृष्टौ शिवस्य स्वयमाविर्भावः
Inquiry into Śiva-knowledge and Śiva’s self-manifestation in creation
प्रणमेद्वा पठेदेताञ्छ्लोकाञ्छ्रुतिमुखानिमान् । न तस्य दुर्ल्लभं किंचिद्भक्तश्चेन्मुच्यते दृढम्
praṇamedvā paṭhedetāñchlokāñchrutimukhānimān | na tasya durllabhaṃ kiṃcidbhaktaścenmucyate dṛḍham
If one bows down in reverence or recites these verses—whose essence is rooted in the Vedic revelation—then nothing remains unattainable for that devotee; and if the devotion is true, liberation is surely and firmly attained.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Significance: Promises siddhi-like attainments and, for the steadfast bhakta, mokṣa—framing recitation as a grace-bearing practice accessible beyond pilgrimage.
Type: stotra
Role: liberating
FAQs
The verse teaches that sincere devotion expressed through pranama (reverent surrender) or disciplined recitation of Śruti-aligned hymns brings both worldly fulfillment and, more importantly, firm liberation by Shiva’s grace.
Bowing and reciting sacred verses are core acts of Saguna Shiva worship—approaching Shiva through form, mantra, and reverence—by which the devotee’s bondage is loosened and the path to realizing Shiva as the supreme Pati is secured.
Regular recitation (pāṭha) of the praised verses and physical or inner pranama (humble surrender) are recommended; these can be paired with daily Shiva upāsanā such as mantra-japa (e.g., Panchakshara) and worshipful remembrance.