Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 28
वृन्दायाः दुष्स्वप्न-दर्शनं तथा पातिव्रत्य-भङ्गोपक्रमः / Vṛndā’s Ominous Dreams and the Prelude to the Breach of Chastity
ततस्त्वं हि मया ज्ञातस्तव सेवाप्रभावतः । गर्वितेन त्वया नैव कुसंगवशगेन हि
tatastvaṃ hi mayā jñātastava sevāprabhāvataḥ | garvitena tvayā naiva kusaṃgavaśagena hi
म्हणून तुझ्या सेवा-भक्तीच्या प्रभावाने मी तुला ओळखले; पण कुसंगाच्या वशाने गर्विष्ठ होऊन तू काहीही योग्य केले नाहीस।
Suta Goswami (narrating the Yuddha-khaṇḍa dialogue; the direct speaker within the scene is a senior figure admonishing the addressed person)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It teaches that genuine recognition in spiritual life comes from seva and devotion, but pride and harmful association (kusaṅga) can quickly eclipse merit and pull the soul back into bondage (pāśa).
Linga-worship in the Shiva Purana is sustained by humility, purity, and disciplined conduct; this verse warns that even if one serves Saguna Shiva outwardly, arrogance and bad company undermine the inner bhāva that makes worship fruitful.
Cultivate satsanga and humility alongside daily japa (especially the Pañcākṣarī, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”); avoid kusaṅga, and let seva—such as temple service, offering water to the Linga, or disciplined vrata—purify pride.