Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 41
प्रयागे महत्समाजः — शिवदर्शनं दक्षागमनं च
The Great Assembly at Prayāga: Śiva’s Appearance and Dakṣa’s Arrival
तदाकर्ण्यामहत्यंतमनिंदंतं मुहुर्मुहुः । भृग्वादीनपि विप्रांश्च वेदसृट् शिव तत्त्ववित्
tadākarṇyāmahatyaṃtamaniṃdaṃtaṃ muhurmuhuḥ | bhṛgvādīnapi viprāṃśca vedasṛṭ śiva tattvavit
Entendant maintes et maintes fois cette calomnie accablante, Brahmā, le Seigneur né du Veda, connaisseur de la vérité de Śiva, la blâma à plusieurs reprises ; et il réprimanda même les sages brāhmanes, à commencer par Bhṛgu.
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Īśāna
Sthala Purana: Brahmā, as Veda-sṛj (source of Vedic revelation), condemns repeated nindā of Śiva; the episode frames the Purāṇic teaching that true Vedic intent culminates in recognizing Śiva-tattva.
Significance: Merit of śiva-nindā-parihāra: avoiding slander and honoring Śiva as the inner meaning of Veda; cultivates sattva and receptivity to grace.
FAQs
It teaches that slander of Śiva (śiva-nindā) is a grave fault; even learned sages can fall if pride overrides devotion. True wisdom is to recognize Śiva-tattva and restrain speech in reverence to the Supreme Pati.
Linga-worship embodies honoring Śiva’s presence beyond ego and sectarian pride. This verse reinforces that devotion to Saguna Śiva (and respect for His symbols like the Liṅga) must be protected from nindā, because contempt blocks grace (anugraha).
Practice vāṅ-niyama (discipline of speech): avoid criticism of Śiva, His Liṅga, and devotees; instead repeat the Pañcākṣarī—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—with humility, optionally while applying tripuṇḍra-bhasma as a reminder of Śiva-tattva.