Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 56
शिवपुत्रजननवर्णनम् — Description of the Birth/Manifestation of Śiva’s Son
स्नानं कृत्वा स्त्रियस्ता हि महाशीतार्द्दिताश्च षट् । गंतुकामा मुने याता वह्निज्वालासमीपतः
snānaṃ kṛtvā striyastā hi mahāśītārdditāśca ṣaṭ | gaṃtukāmā mune yātā vahnijvālāsamīpataḥ
Après s’être baignées, ces six femmes—tourmentées par un froid très vif—désireuses de s’en aller, ô sage, s’approchèrent des flammes du feu.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It highlights the purificatory act of snāna followed by seeking warmth—showing bodily discipline within dharma, where outer cleansing supports inner steadiness (śauca) on the Shaiva path.
Though the verse is narrative, it reflects the Shaiva ritual rhythm: cleansing (snāna) prepares one for proximity to sacred power—later expressed more fully as approaching Shiva’s saguna presence in worship (pūjā) with purity and composure.
The implied practice is preparatory śauca: bathe before worship or japa, then stabilize the body (remove discomfort like cold) so the mind can remain focused for mantra and devotion.