Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 15
द्वारपाल-गणेशसंवादः / The Dialogue at the Gate: Gaṇeśa and Śiva’s Gaṇas
शिवगणा ऊचुः । रे रे द्वारप कस्त्वं हि स्थितश्च स्थापितः कुतः । नैवास्मान्गाणयस्येवं कथं जीवितुमिच्छसि
śivagaṇā ūcuḥ | re re dvārapa kastvaṃ hi sthitaśca sthāpitaḥ kutaḥ | naivāsmāngāṇayasyevaṃ kathaṃ jīvitumicchasi
Les gaṇas de Śiva dirent : «Hé, gardien de la porte ! Qui es-tu ? Pourquoi te tiens-tu ici, et par qui as-tu été établi ? Tu ne nous reconnais nullement ; si tu agis ainsi, comment espères-tu rester en vie ?»
Śiva-gaṇas (attendants of Lord Śiva)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Bhairava
FAQs
It highlights the sanctity of Śiva’s divine domain and the principle that spiritual authority is rooted in Śiva’s command; disrespect or ignorance toward Śiva’s devotees/attendants is portrayed as spiritually dangerous.
As a Saguna (personal) narrative, it emphasizes reverence for Śiva’s sacred presence and those aligned with Him; proper approach to Śiva’s abode and worship—like entering a temple for Liṅga-darśana—requires humility and right recognition.
A practical takeaway is to cultivate humility before entering worship—mentally offering salutations to Śiva and His gaṇas, and beginning japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) to align one’s attitude with devotion.