Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 43
सेवातत्त्वप्रश्नः — The Question of Whom to Serve (Sevā) for the Removal of Suffering
अव्यंगं चैव विप्रेषु साचारेषु सपुण्यतः । शिवसंतोषहेतोश्च कर्मस्वोक्तं समाचरेत्
avyaṃgaṃ caiva vipreṣu sācāreṣu sapuṇyataḥ | śivasaṃtoṣahetośca karmasvoktaṃ samācaret
Qu’on se conduise sans faute envers les brāhmaṇa, établis dans la juste conduite ; et, pour amasser le mérite et pour la satisfaction de Śiva, qu’on accomplisse avec diligence les actes prescrits.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating the Purāṇic teaching to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga narrative; it is a normative instruction linking ethical conduct (ācāra) and śāstra-enjoined karma to Śiva’s satisfaction.
Significance: Highlights that pilgrimage and worship are ethically grounded: reverence to learned, well-conducted brāhmaṇas and faithful performance of enjoined duties are presented as causes of Śiva-prasāda.
FAQs
It teaches that pleasing Śiva is not only through worship but also through blameless conduct and faithful performance of śāstric duties—outer dharma supporting inner devotion, leading the soul toward Śiva’s grace.
Linga worship becomes complete when paired with right conduct: honoring virtuous brāhmaṇas and following enjoined actions purifies the devotee, making Saguna Śiva worship fruitful and receptive to Śiva’s satisfaction.
The verse emphasizes disciplined observance of prescribed karmas (daily duties, purity, and righteous service). As a practical takeaway, combine worship with ethical vows and regular observances that support devotion to Śiva.