Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 12
शिवतत्त्वे परापरभावविचारः
Inquiry into Śiva’s Principle and the Parā–Aparā Paradox
अन्यथा निरपेक्षेण मूर्तिः स्वीक्रियते कथम् । मूर्तिस्वीकरणं तस्मान्मूर्तौ साध्यफलेप्सया
anyathā nirapekṣeṇa mūrtiḥ svīkriyate katham | mūrtisvīkaraṇaṃ tasmānmūrtau sādhyaphalepsayā
さもなければ、まったく依りどころなき自在者（nirapekṣa）が、いかにして御姿（ムールティ）を受け入れられようか。ゆえに御姿を受けられるのは、求める果を成就せしめるため—求道者がその御姿そのものを通して、望む霊的果報を得るためである。
Suta Goswami (narrating Shaiva philosophical teaching to the sages at Naimisharanya in the Vayu Samhita context)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Role: liberating
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It explains that the Supreme Shiva, though independent and beyond limitation, assumes an accessible form out of grace so seekers can realize specific spiritual fruits—especially purification, devotion, and liberation.
It supports saguna-upasana: the Form (including the Shiva Linga) is accepted as a compassionate means for embodied beings to approach the nirguna Reality and attain the intended result through focused worship.
Take refuge in a chosen Shiva-form (Linga or Murti) with a clear aim, and practice steady japa—especially the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—as the means to attain the sought fruit.