Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 53
शिवपुत्रजननवर्णनम् — Description of the Birth/Manifestation of Śiva’s Son
कृत्वोपायमिमं वह्ने सुखी भव विदाहकः । शिवेच्छया मया सम्यगुक्तं तातेदमादरात्
kṛtvopāyamimaṃ vahne sukhī bhava vidāhakaḥ | śivecchayā mayā samyaguktaṃ tātedamādarāt
Wahai Vahni (Agni), laksanakanlah upaya ini dan jadilah tenteram, menjadi pembakar yang semestinya (pemakan persembahan). Atas kehendak Śiva aku telah mengucapkannya dengan tepat; wahai anak, terimalah dengan hormat.
Lord Shiva (inferred, as the instruction is explicitly framed as spoken ‘by Śiva’s will’ within the Kumārakhaṇḍa dialogue)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Īśāna
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse emphasizes that a right “upāya” (means) performed with reverence becomes effective when aligned with Śiva’s will (śivecchā). In Shaiva Siddhānta terms, grace (anugraha) makes the practice fruitful, transforming agitation into auspicious order.
Agni is central to many Śaiva rites (homa, offerings) performed for Saguna Śiva. The verse highlights correct performance and devotion (ādara), implying that external ritual becomes spiritually potent when done as service to Śiva and under His sanction.
It points to performing the prescribed remedial rite (upāya)—typically involving fire offerings or purification—done respectfully. As a takeaway: perform Śaiva rituals with disciplined correctness and devotion, mentally offering the act to Śiva (īśvara-arpaṇa-buddhi).