Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 35
शङ्खचूडकृततपः—ब्रह्मवरकवचप्राप्तिः / Śaṅkhacūḍa’s Austerity—Brahmā’s Boon and the Bestowal of the Kavaca
त्वं वै पुरुषरत्नं च स्त्रीरत्नं च त्वियं सती । विदग्धाया विदग्धेन संगमो गुणवान् भवेत्
tvaṃ vai puruṣaratnaṃ ca strīratnaṃ ca tviyaṃ satī | vidagdhāyā vidagdhena saṃgamo guṇavān bhavet
त्वं नूनं पुरुषरत्नं, इयं च सती स्त्रीरत्नम्। विदग्धया सह विदग्धस्य संगमो गुणवान् फलप्रदश्च भवति।
Sūta Gosvāmī (narrating the Rudra Saṃhitā dialogue to the sages, conveying a contextual utterance within the Yuddha-khaṇḍa episode)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It affirms that true excellence in life is not merely social status but inner refinement (vidagdhatā). When two people grounded in dharma unite, their relationship becomes a support for virtue and spiritual growth—aligned with Shaiva ideals of purity, self-restraint, and devotion.
In Shaiva practice, Saguna Shiva (worshiped as the Liṅga) is approached through sattvic conduct and disciplined life. The verse highlights that a virtuous union strengthens dharma, making the household a fit setting for Liṅga-pūjā, mantra-japa, and devotional living.
The practical takeaway is to cultivate discernment and purity through daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya"), along with sattvic vows; if performed, Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrākṣa support steadiness and devotion within household life.