Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 32
शिवशिवयोर्जगत्पितृमातृत्व-प्रतिपादनं तथा मेनायाः विमोहः (Śiva–Śivā as Cosmic Father and Mother; Menā’s Delusion and the Sages’ Intervention)
आदावप्रीतिजनकं परिणामे सुखावहम् । दयालुर्धमशीलो हि बोधयत्येव बांधवः
ādāvaprītijanakaṃ pariṇāme sukhāvaham | dayālurdhamaśīlo hi bodhayatyeva bāṃdhavaḥ
உண்மையான உறவினர்—கருணையுடன் தர்மத்தில் நிலைத்தவர்—முதலில் மனவருத்தம் தரும் சொற்களைச் சொன்னாலும், முடிவில் அவையே நலம் மற்றும் இன்பம் தரும்; ஆகவே அவர் நிச்சயம் அறிவுறுத்தி விழிப்பூட்டுவார்.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Role: teaching
FAQs
It teaches discernment: dharmic correction may feel unpleasant initially, but it protects the soul’s long-term well-being. In Shaiva thought, such guidance supports inner purification and steadiness in bhakti toward Shiva.
Linga-worship emphasizes truthfulness, self-restraint, and dharma as supports for devotion. A devotee who accepts corrective counsel becomes more fit for Saguna Shiva worship—transforming ego and conduct into offerings to Shiva.
Practice daily self-examination with japa of the Panchakshara ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya"), accepting dharmic correction as Shiva’s grace; pair it with calm, disciplined conduct as a living form of worship.