Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 24
कुमाराद्भुतचरितवर्णनम् — Description of Kumāra’s Wondrous Deeds
तदाज्ञया वीरबाहुस्तदन्वेषणहेतवे । प्रणम्य स्वामिनं भक्त्या महावीरो द्रुतं ययौ
tadājñayā vīrabāhustadanveṣaṇahetave | praṇamya svāminaṃ bhaktyā mahāvīro drutaṃ yayau
Menurut titah itu, Vīrabāhu—untuk melaksanakan pencarian—menyembah sujud kepada Tuhannya dengan bhakti; lalu wira agung itu segera berangkat dengan pantas.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
FAQs
The verse highlights a core Shaiva ethic: true devotion (bhakti) expresses itself as humble surrender (praṇāma) followed by prompt, disciplined service to the Lord’s purpose—seva performed without delay or ego.
In Saguna Shiva worship, devotion is not only ritual but also loyal participation in the Lord’s will. Bowing to the ‘svāmin’ and acting swiftly mirrors how a devotee approaches the Liṅga—with reverence first, then purposeful action guided by dharma.
A practical takeaway is to begin any Shiva-sādhanā with praṇāma and sankalpa, then carry it out promptly—e.g., chanting the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with focused intent and completing the vowed practice without procrastination.