Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 30
प्रयागे महत्समाजः — शिवदर्शनं दक्षागमनं च
The Great Assembly at Prayāga: Śiva’s Appearance and Dakṣa’s Arrival
नन्दीश्वर उवाच । रे दक्ष शठ दुर्बुद्धे वृथैव शिवकिंकराः । शप्तास्ते ब्रह्मचापल्याच्छिवतत्त्वमजानता
nandīśvara uvāca | re dakṣa śaṭha durbuddhe vṛthaiva śivakiṃkarāḥ | śaptāste brahmacāpalyācchivatattvamajānatā
நந்தீஸ்வரர் கூறினார்— ஏ தக்ஷா, வஞ்சகனே, தீய புத்தியுடையவனே! சிவனின் கிங்கரர்களை நீ வீணாகவே சபித்தாய்; பிரம்மனைப் போன்ற அவசரச் சபலம் காரணமாக, சிவத்தத்துவம் அறியாமல் இச்சாபம் உச்சரித்தாய்।
Nandīśvara (Nandī)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
FAQs
The verse teaches that offenses rooted in arrogance become spiritually futile when one is ignorant of Śiva-tattva; true dharma is to honor Śiva and His devotees, cultivating humility and devotion rather than pride.
By emphasizing Śiva-tattva, the verse supports Saguna worship (Liṅga and Śiva’s attendants) as sacred manifestations of Śiva’s presence; disrespect toward Śiva’s devotees is treated as ignorance of the very reality the Liṅga signifies.
A practical takeaway is to practice bhakti with humility—recite the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), apply Tripuṇḍra with reverence, and avoid aparādha (offense) toward Śiva’s devotees while cultivating inner surrender.