Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 33
रुद्र-विष्णोः ऐकत्व-उपदेशः तथा धर्म-आज्ञा
Instruction on Rudra–Viṣṇu Unity and Divine Injunctions
ब्रह्मोवाच । तदा शंभुस्तदीयं हि श्रुत्वा वचनमुत्तमम् । उवाच विष्णुं सुप्रीत्या क्षम्या तेऽगुणता मया
brahmovāca | tadā śaṃbhustadīyaṃ hi śrutvā vacanamuttamam | uvāca viṣṇuṃ suprītyā kṣamyā te'guṇatā mayā
Brahmā dit : Alors Śambhu, ayant entendu cette parole excellente de sa part, s’adressa à Viṣṇu avec une grande affection : «Pardonne-moi—si j’ai manifesté envers toi quelque manque de discernement ou quelque défaut».
Brahma
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
FAQs
The verse highlights a core Shaiva ethic: true greatness expresses itself as humility and reconciliation. Śiva responds with affection, modeling how ego dissolves through mutual respect—an inner prerequisite for grace (anugraha) and liberation.
Though the verse is dialogic, it reflects Saguna Śiva’s accessible compassion—He engages personally, restores harmony, and guides devotees toward right understanding. Such qualities are contemplated in Linga worship as the merciful Lord who accepts repentance and grants purification.
Practice daily kṣamā-prārthanā (a forgiveness prayer) before or after japa of the Panchakshara “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” offering one’s faults into Śiva’s grace; this supports inner cleansing akin to bhasma-bhāva (burning impurities in awareness).