Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 18
गिरिजाया तपोऽनुज्ञा
Permission for Girijā’s Austerities
ब्रह्मोवाच । इत्याकर्ण्य वचः पुत्र्या मेना दुःख मुपागता । सोपाहूय तदा पुत्रीमुवाच विकला सती
brahmovāca | ityākarṇya vacaḥ putryā menā duḥkha mupāgatā | sopāhūya tadā putrīmuvāca vikalā satī
Brahmā dijo: Al oír las palabras de su hija, Menā quedó sobrecogida por el dolor. Entonces la llamó para que se acercara, y aquella noble señora, turbada y afligida, le habló.
Brahma
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It shows the human side of dharma: a mother’s grief arises when a soul’s divine calling (Pārvatī’s resolve toward Shiva) challenges worldly expectations. In Shaiva thought, such tension often precedes deeper surrender and clarity on Pati (Shiva) as the highest refuge.
Though the verse is narrative, it frames the emotional and social obstacles that devotees face before committing to Saguna Shiva worship. Pārvatī’s path toward Shiva ultimately culminates in disciplined devotion—commonly expressed in Purana practice through Linga-pūjā, mantra, and vrata.
The takeaway is steadiness amid discouragement: maintain japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and simple Shiva worship (lamp, water, bilva) with a calm mind, even when family or society resists one’s vow.