Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 53
हंस-वराह-रूपग्रहण-कारणम्
The Reason for Assuming the Swan and Boar Forms
तस्मिन्नवसरे तत्र स्मृतेन मनसा मया । प्रबोधितोहं त्वरितमागतेना हि विष्णुना
tasminnavasare tatra smṛtena manasā mayā | prabodhitohaṃ tvaritamāgatenā hi viṣṇunā
À cet instant même, là, l’ayant rappelé en mon esprit, je fus aussitôt éveillé par Viṣṇu, venu en toute hâte.
Brahmā
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It highlights that inner recollection (smṛti) prepares the mind for awakening, and that grace can arrive suddenly—here symbolized by Viṣṇu’s swift appearance—moving the soul from forgetfulness toward clarity on the Supreme (ultimately fulfilled in Śiva-tattva within the Rudra Saṃhitā’s vision).
Though the verse names Viṣṇu, the Sṛṣṭi Khaṇḍa’s broader arc leads toward recognition of the highest Pati (Śiva). The ‘awakening’ motif supports Saguna worship: the devotee remembers, becomes attentive, and is guided toward Śiva’s manifest signs (such as the Liṅga) as a focus for realization.
A direct takeaway is smaraṇa (devout remembrance): steady mental recollection of the Lord—supported by japa (especially the Pañcākṣarī, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”)—as the inner discipline that invites awakening and guidance.