Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 23
देवस्तुतिवर्णनम् (Deva-stuti-varṇana) — “Description of the Gods’ Hymn/Praise”
महदाराधनं देवा न सुसाध्यं विचार्य्यताम् । महदाराधने पूर्वं भवेद्दुःखमिति श्रुतम् । विज्ञाय दृढतां देवाः प्रसन्नो भवति ध्रुवम्
mahadārādhanaṃ devā na susādhyaṃ vicāryyatām | mahadārādhane pūrvaṃ bhavedduḥkhamiti śrutam | vijñāya dṛḍhatāṃ devāḥ prasanno bhavati dhruvam
“Wahai para Deva, renungkanlah baik-baik: pemujaan agung (ārādhana kepada Tuhan Yang Mahatinggi) bukanlah sesuatu yang mudah dicapai. Tradisi menyebut bahawa sebelum pemujaan luhur itu berbuah, kesukaran terlebih dahulu muncul. Namun apabila Tuhan mengenali keteguhan hati, Dia pasti berkenan.”
Suta Goswami (narrating the Rudrasaṃhitā Yuddhakhaṇḍa account to the sages, conveying the teaching as scriptural counsel to the Devas)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
FAQs
It teaches that higher Shiva-sādhana is tested by initial difficulties; enduring them with dṛḍhatā (steadfastness) invites Śiva’s grace (prasāda), which alone makes the worship fruitful.
Linga/Saguṇa worship often involves disciplined daily practice (pūjā, abhiṣeka, japa). The verse explains that early obstacles are natural, and that unwavering continuity in such worship is what draws the Lord’s pleased response.
Maintain steady japa of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” and regular Linga-pūjā/abhiṣeka; accept temporary hardship without abandoning the vrata, as steadfastness is highlighted as the key offering.