Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 16
द्वारपाल-गणेशसंवादः / The Dialogue at the Gate: Gaṇeśa and Śiva’s Gaṇas
द्वारपाला वयं सर्वे स्थितः किं परिभाषसे । सिंहासनगृहीतश्च शृगालः शिवमीहते
dvārapālā vayaṃ sarve sthitaḥ kiṃ paribhāṣase | siṃhāsanagṛhītaśca śṛgālaḥ śivamīhate
«Nous sommes tous postés ici comme gardiens de la porte—pourquoi nous parles-tu avec une telle insolence ? Un chacal qui s’empare d’un trône aspire encore à Śiva ; mais sa présomption ne le rend pas digne de ce siège.»
The gatekeepers (dvārapālas) addressing an intruder/claimant at the gate (context of Kumārakhaṇḍa narrative)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
The verse contrasts true adhikāra (spiritual fitness) with mere external power: even if one occupies a “throne,” without humility and dharmic conduct one remains unfit; approach to Śiva requires inner purification and reverence.
In Saguna worship (such as Linga-upāsanā), the devotee must come with vinaya (humility) and proper conduct; the verse warns that pride and entitlement obstruct grace, whereas sincere devotion aligns the soul toward Śiva.
A practical takeaway is to begin Shiva worship with humility—performing japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and offering simple, disciplined pūjā (with clean conduct and reverence) rather than seeking status or recognition.