Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 40
देवशरणागति-नारदप्रेषणम् | The Devas Take Refuge in Śiva; Nārada Is Sent
यस्य गेहे सुरत्नानि सर्वाणि हि जलंधर । जायारत्नं न चेत्तानि न शोभंते वृथा ध्रुवम्
yasya gehe suratnāni sarvāṇi hi jalaṃdhara | jāyāratnaṃ na cettāni na śobhaṃte vṛthā dhruvam
ஓ ஜலந்தரா, ஒருவனின் இல்லத்தில் எல்லா சிறந்த ரத்தினங்களும் இருந்தாலும், மனைவி-ரத்தினம் இல்லையெனில் அவை நிச்சயமாக வீண்; உண்மையில் அவை ஒளிராது.
Lord Śiva (in counsel to Jalandhara, within the Yuddhakhaṇḍa narrative as relayed by Sūta to the sages)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse teaches that outer prosperity is incomplete without dharmic companionship; a virtuous spouse is portrayed as a ‘ratna’ because household life becomes a support for dharma, devotion, and steadiness of mind—key conditions for progressing toward Śiva’s grace.
In Saguna Śiva worship, the home becomes a sacred space when dharma and mutual support prevail; a harmonious, righteous household better sustains daily pūjā, vrata, and remembrance of Śiva (including Linga-worship), turning material resources into offerings rather than mere possession.
The takeaway is to sanctify household life through shared dharma: regular Linga-pūjā, japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), and simple disciplines like Tripuṇḍra/bhasma and Rudrākṣa (where customary), performed with mutual respect and purity of conduct.