Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 24
तारकवधोत्तरं देवस्तुतिः पर्वतवरप्रदानं च / Devas’ Hymn after Tāraka’s Slaying and the Bestowal of Boons upon the Mountains
महानंदभरः शंभुश्चकार मुखचुंबनम् । कुमारस्य महास्नेहात् तारकारेर्महाप्रभोः
mahānaṃdabharaḥ śaṃbhuścakāra mukhacuṃbanam | kumārasya mahāsnehāt tārakārermahāprabhoḥ
Dipenuhi sukacita yang agung, Dewa Śambhu mencium wajah Kumāra. Baginda berbuat demikian kerana kasih sayang yang mendalam kepada tuan mulia itu, yang kelak menjadi pembunuh Tāraka.
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It highlights Śiva’s saguna-līlā: the Lord’s tender affection is not mere emotion but an expression of grace (anugraha) that strengthens the devotee and reveals the Lord’s approachable, compassionate nature.
While the Liṅga points to the transcendent (nirguṇa) reality, this verse emphasizes Saguna Śiva—personally present, blessing and nurturing. Liṅga-worship matures into intimate devotion where the devotee experiences Śiva as a living Lord who bestows protection and empowerment.
Practice bhakti with the pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” meditating on Śiva’s compassionate form; offer simple upacāras (water, bilva leaves) and cultivate childlike trust in Śiva’s anugraha.