Adhyaya 17: लिङ्गोद्भव—ब्रह्मविष्ण्वहङ्कार-शमनं, ओंकार-प्रादुर्भावः, मन्त्र-तत्त्वं च
स्वागतंस्वागतं वत्स पितामह महाद्युते तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा स्मितपूर्वं सुरर्षभाः
svāgataṃsvāgataṃ vatsa pitāmaha mahādyute tasya tadvacanaṃ śrutvā smitapūrvaṃ surarṣabhāḥ
“ยินดีต้อนรับ ยินดีต้อนรับ ลูกเอ๋ย! โอ้ปิตามหาผู้รุ่งเรืองยิ่ง!” ครั้นได้ยินถ้อยคำนั้น เหล่าเทวะผู้ประเสริฐก็ตอบด้วยรอยยิ้มอ่อนโยน
Suta Goswami (narrating the Devas’ exchange, with Brahma being addressed)
It establishes the Devas’ disciplined reverence and proper hierarchy (maryādā) within creation—an attitude that prepares the mind (pashu) for approaching the Linga as the transcendent Pati, beyond even Brahmā’s radiance.
By highlighting honour given to Brahmā while implying a higher focus, it reflects Shaiva Siddhānta’s distinction: Brahmā is a created authority within sṛṣṭi, whereas Shiva-tattva is the supreme Pati who stands beyond all offices of creation.
The takeaway is inner discipline expressed as respectful speech and controlled response (smita-pūrvam). Such restraint is aligned with preparatory conduct for pūjā and the ethical ground of Pāśupata-oriented practice.