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
Кто в четырнадцатый лунный день, соблюдая пост, читает ту Самхиту, — тот воистину становится самим Шивой у корня дерева бильва и почитается и поклоняем даже богами.
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).