Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 44
सेवातत्त्वप्रश्नः — The Question of Whom to Serve (Sevā) for the Removal of Suffering
यद्यज्जातिसमुद्दिष्टं तत्तत्कर्म न लंघयेत् । यावद्दानस्य संपत्तिस्तावत्कर्म समावहेत्
yadyajjātisamuddiṣṭaṃ tattatkarma na laṃghayet | yāvaddānasya saṃpattistāvatkarma samāvahet
Qu’on ne transgresse pas les devoirs prescrits selon sa condition de vie. Tant qu’on possède les moyens de donner, qu’on accomplisse avec constance la charité et les devoirs justes qui s’y rattachent.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Īśāna
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga account; it is dharma-śikṣā: adherence to one’s prescribed duties and sustained charity according to capacity.
Significance: Supports the pilgrim ethic: do not abandon dharma under the pretext of devotion; charity and duty, done within one’s means, are stabilizing supports for Śiva-bhakti.
Role: nurturing
Offering: naivedya
FAQs
It teaches that steadfastness in one’s rightful dharma and sincere charity purify the pashu (bound soul) and make the mind fit for Shiva-bhakti and grace, aligning action with righteous order rather than egoic impulse.
In Shaiva practice, Linga-worship is supported by dharmic living—especially dana and disciplined conduct—so offerings and worship become sattvic, humble, and receptive to the presence of Saguna Shiva.
Practice regular dana according to capacity, and pair it with daily Shiva-upasana—such as japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and simple Linga offerings—without neglecting one’s ordained duties.