Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 5
विभूतिविस्तरप्रश्नः / Inquiry into the Expansion of Śiva’s Vibhūti
अथासौ नियमस्यांते भगवानम्बरोद्भवः । मध्ये मुनिसभायास्तु भेजे कॢप्तं वरासनम्
athāsau niyamasyāṃte bhagavānambarodbhavaḥ | madhye munisabhāyāstu bheje kḷptaṃ varāsanam
やがてニヤマの行が結ぶと、天より生まれし福徳の御方は、牟尼たちの集会のただ中に整えられた最上の座に就かれた。
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Īśāna
Role: teaching
FAQs
It marks the transition from discipline (niyama) to transmission of Shaiva wisdom: after completing a vow, the divine teacher (Vāyu) assumes an honored seat among sages, indicating that purification and restraint prepare one to receive liberating knowledge of Pati (Lord Shiva).
Though the verse describes the setting, it reflects the Purāṇic method of Saguna approach—reverencing the divine messenger and the sacred assembly—through which teachings on Shiva, including Linga-worship and the path from ritual to realization, are traditionally conveyed.
The key suggestion is niyama—vowed discipline and observance—performed to completion before receiving instruction; this aligns with Shaiva practice of preparatory purity (often supported by mantra-japa such as the Panchakshara, and regulated conduct) prior to deeper contemplation.