Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 59
सेवातत्त्वप्रश्नः — The Question of Whom to Serve (Sevā) for the Removal of Suffering
प्रत्ययार्थं च जगतामेकस्थोऽपि दिवाकरः । एकोऽपि बहुधा दृष्टो जलाधारादिवस्तुषु
pratyayārthaṃ ca jagatāmekastho'pi divākaraḥ | eko'pi bahudhā dṛṣṭo jalādhārādivastuṣu
Afin d’assurer la certitude aux mondes, le soleil, bien qu’il demeure en un seul lieu, apparaît comme multiple. De même, bien qu’un, il est vu de diverses façons dans des récipients d’eau et autres supports semblables.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Sthala Purana: Not a jyotirliṅga account; an epistemic analogy: one sun appears many in reflected media, illustrating how the One Lord is perceived as many due to upādhis (limiting adjuncts).
Significance: Supports contemplative practice: seeing multiplicity as reflection/appearance helps loosen bondage to nāma-rūpa and prepares for Śiva-jñāna.
Role: teaching
FAQs
It teaches that multiplicity can arise from a single source through reflected appearances—helping the seeker gain firm conviction (pratyaya) that the One Lord can be experienced in many forms without losing His oneness.
Just as one sun is seen as many in different vessels of water, the one Shiva is approached through many sacred supports (like the Śiva-liṅga and diverse forms). Saguna worship becomes a valid doorway to realize the one, transcendent Shiva.
A practical takeaway is ekāgratā (one-pointed contemplation): while chanting the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), meditate that the same Shiva shines through all perceived forms—like one sun reflected in many waters.