Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 7
भूतत्रिपुरधर्मवर्णनम् (Description of the Dharma/Conduct of the Bhūta-Tripura) — Chapter 3
तावत्ते नैव हंतव्या यावद्भक्तिकृतश्च मे । तथापि विष्णवे देवा निवेद्यं कारणं त्विदम्
tāvatte naiva haṃtavyā yāvadbhaktikṛtaśca me | tathāpi viṣṇave devā nivedyaṃ kāraṇaṃ tvidam
« Tant qu’ils agissent par la bhakti qu’ils M’offrent, ils ne doivent pas être mis à mort. Toutefois, ô dieux, la cause de cette affaire doit être rapportée à Viṣṇu. »
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
It teaches that bhakti (devotional orientation to Śiva) transforms one’s standing: even amid conflict, the devotee is not to be treated as an enemy. From a Śaiva Siddhānta lens, devotion aligned to Pati (Śiva) is a purifying force that warrants compassion and discernment rather than rash violence.
The verse upholds Saguna Śiva as the accessible Lord who protects devotees and responds to their intent. Linga-worship emphasizes inner sincerity; thus, those acting from genuine devotion are to be respected, and disputes should be resolved through right counsel (here, consulting Viṣṇu) rather than harm.
The practical takeaway is to strengthen bhakti and restraint: daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with a non-violent, compassionate mind, applying viveka (discernment) before action—especially when judging others’ motives.