Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 17
देवर्षि-प्रश्नः तथा असुर-वध-हेतुनिवेदनम् | The Devas’ Petition and the Cause for Slaying Asuras
इत्थं वयं त्रिधा भूताः प्रभाभिन्नस्वरूपिणः । शिवाशिवसुतास्तत्त्वं हृदा विद्धि सनातन
itthaṃ vayaṃ tridhā bhūtāḥ prabhābhinnasvarūpiṇaḥ | śivāśivasutāstattvaṃ hṛdā viddhi sanātana
इस प्रकार हम तीन रूपों में हुए हैं, हमारे स्वरूपों का भेद केवल तेज से है। हे सनातन, हृदय में यह नित्य तत्त्व जानो कि हम शिव और अशिवा के पुत्र हैं।
Shiva’s sons (a triad of divine beings speaking within the Satī Khaṇḍa narrative, addressing Sanātana/Sanātana-like sage)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: creative
Cosmic Event: triadic manifestation distinguished by prabhā (radiance)
FAQs
It points to an inner realization (hṛdā viddhi) that apparent multiplicity—“threefold”—is ultimately a manifestation distinguished only by divine radiance, while the underlying truth is rooted in Śiva-tattva.
By stressing forms “differentiated by radiance,” it supports Saguna contemplation—approaching Śiva through perceivable manifestations—while directing the devotee to recognize the single eternal principle behind all forms, as symbolized by the Liṅga.
A simple takeaway is heart-centered japa and contemplation: repeat the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) while meditating on Śiva’s auspicious light, seeking direct inner recognition of tattva.