Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 30
प्रयागे महत्समाजः — शिवदर्शनं दक्षागमनं च
The Great Assembly at Prayāga: Śiva’s Appearance and Dakṣa’s Arrival
नन्दीश्वर उवाच । रे दक्ष शठ दुर्बुद्धे वृथैव शिवकिंकराः । शप्तास्ते ब्रह्मचापल्याच्छिवतत्त्वमजानता
nandīśvara uvāca | re dakṣa śaṭha durbuddhe vṛthaiva śivakiṃkarāḥ | śaptāste brahmacāpalyācchivatattvamajānatā
Nandīśvara dit : «Ô Dakṣa, fourbe à l’intelligence pervertie ! En vain as-tu maudit les serviteurs de Śiva. Ces malédictions n’ont jailli que d’une précipitation à la manière de Brahmā, car tu ignores le véritable tattva, le principe de Śiva».
Nandīśvara (Nandī)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
FAQs
The verse teaches that offenses rooted in arrogance become spiritually futile when one is ignorant of Śiva-tattva; true dharma is to honor Śiva and His devotees, cultivating humility and devotion rather than pride.
By emphasizing Śiva-tattva, the verse supports Saguna worship (Liṅga and Śiva’s attendants) as sacred manifestations of Śiva’s presence; disrespect toward Śiva’s devotees is treated as ignorance of the very reality the Liṅga signifies.
A practical takeaway is to practice bhakti with humility—recite the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), apply Tripuṇḍra with reverence, and avoid aparādha (offense) toward Śiva’s devotees while cultivating inner surrender.