Shloka 42
Śiva–Hari–Rudra–Vidhīnāṃ Tattva-nirṇayaḥ
Identity of Śiva, Viṣṇu, Rudra, and Brahmā; Nirguṇa–Saguṇa Reconciliation
इति श्रीशिवमहापुराणे चतुर्थ्यां कोटिरुद्रसंहितायां सगुणनिर्गुणभेदवर्णनं नाम द्विचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः
iti śrīśivamahāpurāṇe caturthyāṃ koṭirudrasaṃhitāyāṃ saguṇanirguṇabhedavarṇanaṃ nāma dvicatvāriṃśo'dhyāyaḥ
ดังนี้ ในศรีศิวมหาปุราณะ สังหิตาที่สี่ชื่อโคฏิรุทรสังหิตา บทที่สี่สิบสองชื่อว่า “พรรณนาความแตกต่างระหว่างสคุณะและนิรคุณะ” ได้สิ้นสุดลงแล้ว
Suta Goswami
Sthala Purana: Colophon verse marking the end of the chapter on saguṇa–nirguṇa bheda; not a site-specific sthala narrative.
Significance: Recitation/śravaṇa of this chapter is traditionally treated as meritorious (puṇya) and clarifying for tattva-vicāra.
FAQs
This is a colophon verse marking the completion of a chapter that frames Śiva as both approachable through saguṇa worship (form, qualities, grace) and ultimately realized as nirguṇa (beyond limiting attributes). It signals that both understandings belong within the Purāṇic path to liberation.
By naming the chapter’s theme—saguṇa and nirguṇa—this closing line supports the Purāṇic method: devotees begin with saguṇa upāsanā such as Liṅga worship, mantra, and pūjā, and through Śiva’s grace mature toward the nirguṇa realization that transcends conceptual limits.
While this specific verse is a chapter-ending marker, its theme points to steady saguṇa practice—Liṅga pūjā with the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya)—combined with contemplative inquiry into Śiva’s nirguṇa nature during japa and meditation.