Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 15
Śiva–Hari–Rudra–Vidhīnāṃ Tattva-nirṇayaḥ
Identity of Śiva, Viṣṇu, Rudra, and Brahmā; Nirguṇa–Saguṇa Reconciliation
सर्वे रुद्रं भजन्त्येव रुद्रः कञ्चिद्भजेन्न हि । स्वात्मना भक्तवात्सल्याद्भजत्येव कदाचन
sarve rudraṃ bhajantyeva rudraḥ kañcidbhajenna hi | svātmanā bhaktavātsalyādbhajatyeva kadācana
सब लोग रुद्र की ही उपासना करते हैं; पर रुद्र किसी की उपासना नहीं करते। फिर भी भक्तों पर वात्सल्य से वे कभी-कभी अपनी स्वेच्छा से सेवक-भक्ति भी प्रकट कर देते हैं।
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Rudra
Role: liberating
FAQs
It teaches that Shiva (Pati) is the supreme refuge: all worship Him, and He is dependent on none; yet His defining attribute is bhakta-vātsalya—grace that moves Him to personally uplift devotees, making liberation attainable through devotion.
In Linga/Saguna worship, the devotee approaches Shiva through a consecrated form; this verse assures that the Supreme accepts such worship and, out of compassion, reciprocates—appearing near, granting boons, and guiding the devotee beyond form toward realization.
Steady Rudra-bhakti: daily Linga-puja with Panchakshara japa ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") and sincere surrender; the emphasis is not on Shiva needing worship, but on the devotee becoming fit for His grace.