Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 18
विष्णोर्दर्शनं स्तुतिश्च
Viṣṇu’s Manifestation and Brahmā’s Hymn
इत्याकर्ण्य वचो मे स हरिर्मां प्राह विस्मितः । विज्ञाताखिलदज्ञानी शिवतत्त्वविशारदः
ityākarṇya vaco me sa harirmāṃ prāha vismitaḥ | vijñātākhiladajñānī śivatattvaviśāradaḥ
माझे वचन असे ऐकून तो हरि (विष्णु) विस्मित होऊन मला म्हणाला—जो जाणण्याजोगे सर्व जाणतो, अज्ञानरहित आहे आणि शिवतत्त्वात अत्यंत पारंगत आहे।
Sati
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse highlights that true spiritual authority is marked by freedom from ignorance and clear insight into Śiva-tattva—the supreme principle that grants liberation—showing reverence for Śiva’s ultimate reality within the Purāṇic narrative.
By praising Hari as a knower of Śiva-tattva, the verse supports the Shaiva view that Saguna worship (including Liṅga-upāsanā) is grounded in right knowledge of Śiva’s principle; devotion becomes fruitful when aligned with the understanding of Śiva as Pati (the Lord) beyond ignorance.
The practical takeaway is śravaṇa and manana—listening to and reflecting on teachings about Śiva-tattva—supported by steady japa of the Pañcākṣarī ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") to remove ajñāna (ignorance) and stabilize devotion.