Shiva Purana: Uma Samhita, Adhyaya 13, Shloka 6
पुराणविदः महिमा तथा अध्ययन-अध्यापन-दानफलम्
The Glory of the Purāṇa-Knower and the Fruits of Study, Teaching, and Giving
मर्त्यबुद्धिर्न कर्तव्या पुराणज्ञे कदाचन । पुराणज्ञस्सर्ववेत्ता ब्रह्मा विष्णुर्हरो गुरुः
martyabuddhirna kartavyā purāṇajñe kadācana | purāṇajñassarvavettā brahmā viṣṇurharo guruḥ
पुराण जानने वाले को कभी नॉर्मल इंसान मत समझो। वोह सब कुछ जानता है। ब्रह्मा, विष्णु, शिव, यह तीनों उसमें हैं। वोह गुरु है, ऐसे ही मानो।
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Significance: Deifies the purāṇa-jña as guru embodying Brahmā–Viṣṇu–Hara; in Siddhānta, the guru is revered as Śiva’s representative (śiva-svarūpa) because grace is mediated through him—hence one must not hold ‘martyabuddhi’ toward him.
Role: teaching
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It teaches Guru-tattva: the teacher who truly knows the Purāṇas should not be judged as an ordinary person, because sacred knowledge is a manifestation of divine grace (Śiva’s anugraha) leading the soul (paśu) beyond bondage (pāśa).
In Saguna worship, Śiva is approached through visible supports (like the Liṅga) and living embodiments of dharma; the Purāṇa-knower is honored as a living locus of Śiva’s guidance, strengthening devotion, right understanding, and proper ritual orientation.
Śravaṇa (listening to Purāṇa-kathā) with guru-reverence is implied; practically, one may perform guru-pūjā before Shiva worship, apply Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) respectfully, and recite the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” with the attitude that the Guru grants Śiva-jnāna.
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