Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 33
गौतमविघ्नप्रकरणम्
Episode of Obstacles to Gautama; Gaṇeśa’s Appearing Through Misguided Worship
ऋषयश्छन्नरूपास्ते ऋषिपत्न्यस्तथाशुभाः । ऊचुस्तत्र तदा सर्वे किं कृतं गौतमेन च
ṛṣayaśchannarūpāste ṛṣipatnyastathāśubhāḥ | ūcustatra tadā sarve kiṃ kṛtaṃ gautamena ca
அப்போது அந்த ரிஷிகள் தங்கள் உண்மை உருவத்தை மறைத்திருந்தனர்; அவர்களின் மனைவிகளும் அசுப நோக்கத்தால் தூண்டப்பட்டிருந்தனர். அந்நேரம் அங்கே அனைவரும் கூறினர்—“கௌதமன் என்ன செய்தான்?”
Suta Goswami (narrating the episode to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
FAQs
It highlights how concealment, jealousy, and impure intention distort judgment; Shaiva teaching emphasizes inner purity and truthfulness as prerequisites for grace and right discernment.
Such episodes typically move the narrative toward seeking Shiva’s refuge when dharma is clouded; devotion to Saguna Shiva (often through Linga worship) is presented as a stabilizing path that restores clarity and auspiciousness.
A practical takeaway is to steady oneself with japa of the Panchakshara (“Om Namah Shivaya”) and maintain śauca (purity of conduct and intention); where relevant in the broader episode, repentance and Shiva-oriented vrata are recommended.