Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 31
शिवतत्त्ववर्णनम् (Śiva-tattva-varṇana) — “Description/Exposition of the Principle of Śiva”
मदंशात्तस्य सामर्थ्यं न्यूनं नैव भविष्यति । योहं सोहं न भेदोस्ति पूजाविधिविधानतः
madaṃśāttasya sāmarthyaṃ nyūnaṃ naiva bhaviṣyati | yohaṃ sohaṃ na bhedosti pūjāvidhividhānataḥ
彼は我が分身であるゆえ、その力が減ずることは決してない。「彼は我であり、我は彼である」—礼拝の規定と作法において差別はない。
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Rudra
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse teaches that when Shiva manifests through His own portion or delegated presence, that manifestation remains fully empowered; devotion and grace do not become “less.” It also affirms a devotional non-difference—worship offered according to Shaiva injunctions reaches Shiva without loss.
It supports the Shaiva view that Saguna worship (such as Linga-puja) is a valid, complete approach: the worshipper need not doubt whether worship of Shiva’s manifest form is inferior. Properly performed puja-vidhi is treated as directly worshipping Shiva Himself.
The practical takeaway is strict adherence to pūjā-vidhi (authorized worship procedure)—mantra, offerings, and observances—performed with the conviction of Shiva’s direct presence. As a meditative support, one may contemplate the unity expressed by “so’ham/yo’ham so’ham” while maintaining reverence and devotion.