Shloka 31
शिवतत्त्ववर्णनम् (Śiva-tattva-varṇana) — “Description/Exposition of the Principle of Śiva”
मदंशात्तस्य सामर्थ्यं न्यूनं नैव भविष्यति । योहं सोहं न भेदोस्ति पूजाविधिविधानतः
madaṃśāttasya sāmarthyaṃ nyūnaṃ naiva bhaviṣyati | yohaṃ sohaṃ na bhedosti pūjāvidhividhānataḥ
Parce qu’il est une part de Moi, sa puissance ne sera jamais diminuée. «Il est Moi, et Je suis lui»—quant aux ordonnances et au rite du culte, il n’y a aucune différence.
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Rudra
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse teaches that when Shiva manifests through His own portion or delegated presence, that manifestation remains fully empowered; devotion and grace do not become “less.” It also affirms a devotional non-difference—worship offered according to Shaiva injunctions reaches Shiva without loss.
It supports the Shaiva view that Saguna worship (such as Linga-puja) is a valid, complete approach: the worshipper need not doubt whether worship of Shiva’s manifest form is inferior. Properly performed puja-vidhi is treated as directly worshipping Shiva Himself.
The practical takeaway is strict adherence to pūjā-vidhi (authorized worship procedure)—mantra, offerings, and observances—performed with the conviction of Shiva’s direct presence. As a meditative support, one may contemplate the unity expressed by “so’ham/yo’ham so’ham” while maintaining reverence and devotion.