Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 13
प्रयागे महत्समाजः — शिवदर्शनं दक्षागमनं च
The Great Assembly at Prayāga: Śiva’s Appearance and Dakṣa’s Arrival
क्रूरदृष्ट्या महागर्वो दृष्ट्वा रुद्रं महाप्रभुम् । सर्वान्संश्रावयन्नुच्चैरवोचज्ज्ञानवर्जितः
krūradṛṣṭyā mahāgarvo dṛṣṭvā rudraṃ mahāprabhum | sarvānsaṃśrāvayannuccairavocajjñānavarjitaḥ
Melihat Rudra, Tuhan Agung yang perkasa dan bercahaya luhur, si besar ego itu memandang dengan tajam kejam lalu berkata lantang agar semua mendengar, kerana ia kosong daripada kebijaksanaan rohani sejati.
Suta Goswami (narrating the episode to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Rudra
FAQs
The verse highlights that arrogance and a cruel, judgmental outlook arise from jñāna-abhāva (absence of right knowledge). In Shaiva Siddhanta terms, ignorance veils recognition of Pati (Shiva) as the supreme Lord, leading one to speak and act in ways that bind the soul further.
It contrasts irreverence with true devotion: Saguna Shiva (Rudra) is approached through humility, praise, and surrender. Disrespect toward Shiva—whether toward the Linga, His devotees, or His manifest form—shows inner impurity and blocks the grace that makes worship fruitful.
The practical takeaway is to counter pride with daily japa of the Panchakshara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and cultivate reverent speech (vāg-śuddhi). If performed, Tripundra (bhasma) and Rudraksha are to be worn with humility and devotion, not as marks of vanity.