Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 28
अन्धक-प्रश्नः — Inquiry into Andhaka
Genealogy and Nature
कालेऽथ तस्मिञ्शिशिरे प्रयातो हिरण्यनेत्रस्त्वथ पुत्रकामः । स्वज्येष्ठबंधोस्तनयप्रतानं संवीक्ष्य चासीत्प्रियया नियुक्तः
kāle'tha tasmiñśiśire prayāto hiraṇyanetrastvatha putrakāmaḥ | svajyeṣṭhabaṃdhostanayapratānaṃ saṃvīkṣya cāsītpriyayā niyuktaḥ
अथ तस्मिन् शिशिरकाले हिरण्यनेत्रः पुत्रकामः प्रयातः। स्वज्येष्ठबन्धोस्तनयप्रतानं संवीक्ष्य, प्रियया नियुक्तोऽभवत्।
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It shows how worldly aims (like progeny) arise from comparison and family circumstance, and how a householder is directed toward right action; in Shaiva thought, such aims are fulfilled best when aligned with dharma and sought with Shiva’s grace rather than mere craving.
The verse sets the motive (putrakāma) that typically leads a devotee to undertake Shiva-oriented vows, worship, or pilgrimages; Saguna Shiva as the compassionate Lord is approached for orderly family life, while remembering that ultimate fulfillment culminates in devotion and liberation.
A traditional takeaway is putrakāma-oriented Shiva worship: daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” Linga-abhisheka with purity and restraint, and observing vrata on Mondays or Mahāśivarātri while maintaining dharmic conduct.