Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 17
काम-शक्र-संवादः / Dialogue of Kāma and Śakra
Indra
काम उवाच । किमर्थमित्थं वदसि नोत्तरं वच्म्यहं तव । उपकृत्कृत्रिमं लोके दृश्यते कथ्यते न च
kāma uvāca | kimarthamitthaṃ vadasi nottaraṃ vacmyahaṃ tava | upakṛtkṛtrimaṃ loke dṛśyate kathyate na ca
काम उवाच—किमर्थमित्थं वदसि? नाहं तवोत्तरं वक्ष्यामि। लोके तु कृत्रिमोपकृतिः स्वार्थयुक्ता दृश्यते, न च प्रकाश्यते।
Kama (Manmatha)
FAQs
The verse highlights how desire-driven, calculated “help” is common in the world and becomes a subtle form of bondage (pāśa), because it is rooted in ego and expectation rather than pure devotion and dharma.
In Saguna Shiva worship (including Linga worship), the devotee is urged to offer service without bargaining or hidden motives. This verse contrasts worldly, transactional conduct with sincere, selfless bhakti directed to Lord Shiva.
A practical takeaway is to chant the Panchākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” while offering simple worship (water, bilva leaves, or bhasma) with the inner resolve of niṣkāma-bhāva—devotion free from expectation of return.