Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 26
देव-गण-समरः
Devas and Śiva’s Gaṇas Engage in Battle
अन्यान्यपि च शास्त्राणि नानावेदयुतानि च । ज्ञातुं नेशं संभवंति वदंत्येवं पुरातनाः
anyānyapi ca śāstrāṇi nānāvedayutāni ca | jñātuṃ neśaṃ saṃbhavaṃti vadaṃtyevaṃ purātanāḥ
また他の諸聖典も、多くのヴェーダとさまざまな教えを備えていようとも、イーシャ（主シヴァ）を真に知り得ない。古の人々はこのように語る。
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating the Shiva Purana to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Īśāna
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse asserts that Shiva (Īśa), as the supreme Pati, is not grasped merely by vast scriptural or Vedic learning; true knowledge of Him matures through grace and lived realization—especially devotion (bhakti) and right worship aligned with dharma.
If Īśa cannot be fully known by intellectual study alone, the Purana emphasizes accessible, grace-filled approaches—such as Linga worship (saguṇa upāsanā)—through which the devotee directly relates to Shiva, and is gradually led toward the higher, transcendent understanding of Him.
The implied takeaway is to prioritize Shiva-upāsanā over mere debate: daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") with simple Linga-pūjā, supported by purity practices like bhasma (Tripuṇḍra) and steady remembrance of Īśa.