Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 15
Niṣādasya Bhillasya Itihāsaḥ — Śivarātri-vrata-prabhāvaḥ
The Hunter’s Account and the Efficacy of the Śivarātri Observance
इति मत्वा स वै वृक्षमेकं बिल्वेतिसंज्ञकम् । समारुह्य स्थितस्तत्र जलमादाय भिल्लकः
iti matvā sa vai vṛkṣamekaṃ bilvetisaṃjñakam | samāruhya sthitastatra jalamādāya bhillakaḥ
இவ்வாறு எண்ணி, அந்த வேடன் கையில் நீரை எடுத்துக்கொண்டு வில்வ மரத்தின் மீது ஏறி அமர்ந்தான்.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
FAQs
It highlights the Shaiva principle that sincere intention (bhāva) initiates worship: even a simple act—climbing a bilva tree and holding water for offering—becomes spiritually potent when directed to Lord Shiva.
The verse sets up a concrete, Saguna mode of devotion—preparing water for offering and using the bilva, Shiva’s sacred tree—typical of Linga worship emphasized in the Koṭirudrasaṃhitā’s Jyotirlinga narratives.
Simple abhiṣeka-oriented devotion: prepare pure water for offering to Shiva, ideally accompanied by bilva association and remembrance of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), even if the act begins with modest means.