Shloka 46
शिवपुराण-प्रशंसा (Praise of the Śiva Purāṇa) / Śivapurāṇa Māhātmya
चतुर्दश्यां निराहारो यः पठेत्संहितां च ताम् । बिल्वमूले शिवः साक्षात्स देवैश्च प्रपूज्यते
caturdaśyāṃ nirāhāro yaḥ paṭhetsaṃhitāṃ ca tām | bilvamūle śivaḥ sākṣātsa devaiśca prapūjyate
Sesiapa yang pada hari keempat belas bulan (caturdaśī) berpuasa lalu membaca Saṃhitā itu—dia sesungguhnya menjadi Śiva sendiri di bawah akar pokok bilva, dan dihormati serta dipuja bahkan oleh para dewa.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Sthala Purana: The verse is a phalaśruti-style assurance: fasting on caturdaśī and reciting the Saṃhitā yields Śiva-sāyujya/Śiva-tulya status, symbolized by presence at the bilva’s root (a classic Śiva-upacāra locus).
Significance: Frames vrata + svādhyāya as a direct means to Śiva’s anugraha; promises deva-vandya (honored even by gods), i.e., exalted spiritual merit and proximity to Śiva.
Role: liberating
FAQs
It teaches that disciplined devotion—especially Chaturdashi fasting combined with scriptural recitation—purifies the devotee and grants Shiva-sāyujya (intimate union), so the worshipper is regarded as embodying Shiva’s presence.
The verse emphasizes Saguna worship through concrete sacred supports—time (Chaturdashi), practice (vrata and recitation), and a holy locus (the bilva tree dear to Shiva)—by which the devotee attains Shiva’s grace and nearness, the goal of Linga-centered Shaiva devotion.
Observe Chaturdashi with fasting (nirāhāra), recite the Saṃhitā with devotion, and worship Shiva in a sanctified place such as near a bilva tree—ideally with bilva leaves and remembrance of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya).