Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 14
प्रयागे महत्समाजः — शिवदर्शनं दक्षागमनं च
The Great Assembly at Prayāga: Śiva’s Appearance and Dakṣa’s Arrival
एते हि सर्वे च सुरासुरा भृशं नमंति मां विप्रवरास्तथर्षयः । कथं ह्यसौ दुर्जनवन्महामनास्त्वभूत्तु यः प्रेतपिशाचसंवृतः
ete hi sarve ca surāsurā bhṛśaṃ namaṃti māṃ vipravarāstatharṣayaḥ | kathaṃ hyasau durjanavanmahāmanāstvabhūttu yaḥ pretapiśācasaṃvṛtaḥ
«Tous ceux-ci — devas et asuras — se prosternent devant moi avec une grande révérence; de même les brahmanes d’élite et les sages rishis. Comment donc celui qu’on dit magnanime en est-il venu à se conduire comme un scélérat, lui qui se trouve entouré de pretas et de piśācas ?»
Sati (addressing Lord Shiva, in the Daksha-yajna narrative context)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Bhairava
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: teaching
FAQs
It contrasts Shiva’s universal adorability—honored by devas, asuras, sages, and Brahmins—with the tragic distortion caused by ignorance and pride, implying that slander of the Pati (Shiva) arises from pasha (bondage) rather than true discernment.
By stating that all classes of beings bow to Shiva, it supports Saguna worship (including Linga-upasana) as a valid, purifying approach for embodied devotees, while hinting that those who reject Shiva fall into tamasic misunderstanding.
The practical takeaway is reverent namaskara and steady bhakti to Shiva—traditionally expressed through Panchakshara japa ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") and respectful conduct—avoiding ninda (disparagement) of Shiva and his devotees.