Shiva Purana — Satarudra Samhita, Shloka 29
नारीसन्देहभञ्जक-शम्भ्ववतारकथा
The Account of Śambhu’s Incarnation that Dispels Doubts Concerning Women
नन्दीश्वर उवाच । इत्युक्तवन्तं तं भिक्षुस्वरूपं करुणानिधिम् । सा विप्रवनिता शम्भुं प्रीत्या पप्रच्छ सादरम्
nandīśvara uvāca | ityuktavantaṃ taṃ bhikṣusvarūpaṃ karuṇānidhim | sā vipravanitā śambhuṃ prītyā papraccha sādaram
नन्दीश्वर बोले—इस प्रकार कहकर करुणानिधि शम्भु ने भिक्षु का रूप धारण किया था। उनके वचन सुनकर वह ब्राह्मणी प्रेम से भरकर आदरपूर्वक उनसे पूछने लगी।
Nandīśvara (Nandi)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Bhikṣāṭana
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga account; it explicitly names the theological device: Śambhu assumes a bhikṣu-form—concealment (tirodhāna) that simultaneously becomes compassion (karuṇā) preparing for grace (anugraha).
Type: stotra
Role: teaching
FAQs
It highlights Shiva’s grace: the Supreme Pati approaches devotees in an accessible, human-like form, and sincere, reverent inquiry (praśna) becomes the doorway to receiving liberating instruction.
Shiva appearing as a bhikshu emphasizes Saguna Shiva—God with compassionate attributes—who can be approached through devotion; such leelas support personal worship (including Linga worship) by making the transcendent Lord relatable to the devotee.
The practical takeaway is bhakti-filled, respectful recitation and inquiry—approaching Shiva with humility; this pairs naturally with japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and reverent listening to Shiva-kathā.