Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 54
हिरण्यनेत्रस्य तपः — Hiraṇyanetra’s Austerity and the Boon
प्रयच्छ नारीं सम सान्त्वपूर्वं स्त्रिया तपः किं कुरुषे विमूढ । अयुक्तमेतत्त्वयि नानुरूपं यस्मादहं रत्नपतिस्त्रिलोके
prayaccha nārīṃ sama sāntvapūrvaṃ striyā tapaḥ kiṃ kuruṣe vimūḍha | ayuktametattvayi nānurūpaṃ yasmādahaṃ ratnapatistriloke
प्रयच्छ नारीं सम सान्त्वपूर्वं स्त्रिया तपः किं कुरुषे विमूढ? अयुक्तमेतत्त्वयि नानुरूपं यस्मादहं रत्नपतिस्त्रिलोके।
Ratnapati (a king/warrior figure in the Yuddhakhaṇḍa narrative)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It distinguishes true tapas (austerity aligned with dharma and purity) from deluded “tapas” driven by desire; in Shaiva ethics, self-restraint and right conduct are prerequisites for spiritual power and Shiva’s grace.
Linga worship in the Shiva Purana is grounded in inner and outer purity; this verse underscores that violating dharma—especially through exploitation and uncontrolled passion—contradicts the discipline expected of a Shiva-bhakta seeking Saguna Shiva’s blessings.
The implied practice is dama (sense-control) and śuddhi (purification) as the basis for worship—supporting regular japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and disciplined vrata observance (e.g., Mahāśivarātri) without harming others.