Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 41
मन्दरगिरिवर्णनम् — Description of Mount Mandara as Śiva’s Residence
Tapas-abode
ईश्वर उवाच । अजानती च क्रीडोक्तिं प्रिये किं कुपितासि मे । रतिः कुतो वा जायेत त्वत्तश्चेदरतिर्मम
īśvara uvāca | ajānatī ca krīḍoktiṃ priye kiṃ kupitāsi me | ratiḥ kuto vā jāyeta tvattaścedaratirmama
ईश्वर म्हणाले—प्रिये, हे क्रीडेतून बोललेले शब्द आहेत, तू जाणत नाहीस; माझ्यावर का रागावलीस? माझ्या मनात तुझ्याविषयी अरति असती, तर रति—प्रेम—कसे उत्पन्न झाले असते?
Lord Shiva (Ishvara)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
FAQs
The verse shows how divine play (līlā) can test and refine devotion: Shiva reassures the beloved that apparent harshness is not rejection but a means to dissolve misunderstanding and restore loving union, reflecting Pati’s compassionate guidance of the soul.
In Saguna worship, the devotee relates to Shiva personally—sometimes misreading events as neglect. This verse teaches that Shiva’s presence is never rooted in aversion; like the Linga that signifies unwavering auspiciousness, his grace remains constant even when the devotee’s emotions fluctuate.
A practical takeaway is japa of the Panchakshara—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—to calm reactive emotions and reestablish trust in Shiva’s benevolence; pairing it with steady dhyāna on Shiva’s compassionate form supports inner reconciliation.