Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 17
शिवतत्त्ववर्णनम् (Śiva-tattva-varṇana) — “Description/Exposition of the Principle of Śiva”
अयं मे दक्षिणात्पार्श्वाद्ब्रह्मा लोकपितामहः । वामपार्श्वाच्च विष्णुस्त्वं समुत्पन्नः परात्मनः
ayaṃ me dakṣiṇātpārśvādbrahmā lokapitāmahaḥ | vāmapārśvācca viṣṇustvaṃ samutpannaḥ parātmanaḥ
എന്റെ വലത് പാർശ്വത്തിൽ നിന്ന് ലോകപിതാമഹൻ ബ്രഹ്മാവ് ഉദ്ഭവിച്ചു; എന്റെ ഇടത് പാർശ്വത്തിൽ നിന്ന് നീ വിഷ്ണുവായി ഉദ്ഭവിച്ചു, ഹേ പരാത്മാവേ।
Lord Shiva (as the Supreme Lord/Paramātman in the creation dialogue)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Sthala Purana: Continues the cosmogonic assertion: Brahmā (world-grandsire) arises from Śiva’s right side and Viṣṇu from His left—both from the Paramātman, establishing Śiva’s transcendence over their functions.
Significance: Doctrinal basis for viewing Brahmā/Viṣṇu shrines within Śiva-kṣetras as subordinate/auxiliary to the main liṅga; reinforces Śiva as ultimate refuge and source.
Shakti Form: Umā
Role: creative
Cosmic Event: kalpa-sṛṣṭi (emanation of creator/preserver offices)
FAQs
It establishes Śiva as the Paramātman and primal cause, from whom the functional deities of creation (Brahmā) and preservation (Viṣṇu) manifest—supporting a Śaiva hierarchy where the Supreme Lord is the source of all cosmic powers.
By presenting Śiva as the origin of Brahmā and Viṣṇu, the verse directs devotion to Śiva as the supreme Saguna Lord accessible through Liṅga-worship, while implying His transcendence beyond forms as the Paramātman.
Contemplate Śiva as the inner Self (Paramātman) while japa of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” and offer simple Liṅga-pūjā with water and bhasma (Tripuṇḍra) to remember Him as the source and governor of all divine functions.