Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 47
कैलासमार्गे शङ्करस्य परीक्षा — Śiva Tests the Approachers on the Kailāsa Path
सनत्कुमार उवाच । इत्युक्तो गुरुणा रुद्रो भक्तवत्सलनामभाक् । प्रत्युवाच प्रसन्नात्मा सुरेज्यं प्रणतार्त्तिहा
sanatkumāra uvāca | ityukto guruṇā rudro bhaktavatsalanāmabhāk | pratyuvāca prasannātmā surejyaṃ praṇatārttihā
Sanatkumāra dit : Ainsi interpellé par son Guru, Rudra—célèbre comme le tendre protecteur des dévots—répondit d’un cœur serein. Lui que même les dieux vénèrent, lui qui ôte la détresse de ceux qui se prosternent, prit la parole en retour.
Sanatkumara
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Rudra
FAQs
It highlights Rudra as bhaktavatsala—Śiva’s defining trait is compassionate grace toward devotees; sincere surrender evokes a calm, benevolent response that removes the devotee’s inner and outer distress.
By calling Rudra “worshipped by the gods” and “remover of the distress of those who bow,” the verse supports Saguna upāsanā: devotees approach Śiva through reverent surrender (praṇāma), a core attitude in Liṅga-worship and temple devotion.
The practical takeaway is praṇāma with bhakti—begin worship with humble prostration and remembrance of Śiva’s grace, ideally alongside japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) to align the mind into prasannatā (serenity).