Indra’s Account: Shilada’s Tapas and Shiva’s Manifestation as Nandi
तपतस्तस्य तपसा प्रभुस्तुष्टाथ शङ्करः तुष्टस्तवेत्यथोवाच सगणश्चोमया सह
tapatastasya tapasā prabhustuṣṭātha śaṅkaraḥ tuṣṭastavetyathovāca sagaṇaścomayā saha
Enquanto ele prosseguia em suas austeridades, o Senhor Śaṅkara — o soberano Pati — ficou satisfeito com aquele tapas. Então, acompanhado de Seus gaṇas e junto de Umā, disse: “Estou satisfeito contigo.”
Suta Goswami (narrating the episode; Shiva speaks within the narrative)
It shows the core principle behind Linga-Puja and Shaiva devotion: sincere tapas and worship draw the Pati (Shiva) to grant darśana and grace, which is the true “fruit” beyond outer ritual.
Shiva is presented as Prabhu/Pati—supreme and free—yet responsive to devotion. His pleasure (tuṣṭi) signifies anugraha-śakti, the liberating grace that loosens Pāśa for the Pāśu (bound soul).
Tapas (austerity) is emphasized as a Shaiva sādhanā aligned with Pāśupata discipline—inner heat, restraint, and steadfast practice culminating in Shiva’s direct acknowledgment and blessing.