Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 20
सेवातत्त्वप्रश्नः — The Question of Whom to Serve (Sevā) for the Removal of Suffering
सा हनिस्तन्महाछिद्रं सान्धता सा च मुग्धता । यन्मुहूर्त्तं क्षणं वापि शिवं नैव समर्चयेत्
sā hanistanmahāchidraṃ sāndhatā sā ca mugdhatā | yanmuhūrttaṃ kṣaṇaṃ vāpi śivaṃ naiva samarcayet
นั่นแลคือความพินาศ นั่นแลคือช่องโหว่ใหญ่ในชีวิตและบุญ; นั่นแลคือความทึบและความหลง—เมื่อแม้เพียงหนึ่งมุหูรตะหรือชั่วขณะ ก็ไม่บูชาพระศิวะเลย।
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating Śiva’s worship-teaching to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Significance: Emphasizes nitya-smaraṇa and nitya-pūjā: neglect even briefly is framed as ‘mahāchidra’ (a grave breach), urging continuous orientation to Śiva to avoid Māyā-driven forgetfulness.
Mantra: नमः शिवाय
Type: panchakshara
Role: teaching
Offering: dhupa
FAQs
It declares that neglecting Śiva’s worship—even briefly—creates a serious spiritual ‘gap’ (chidra) caused by dullness and delusion, whereas steady devotion protects one’s merit and keeps the mind oriented toward liberation.
The verse supports regular saguna upāsanā—such as Liṅga-pūjā, offering water, bilva leaves, and mantra-japa—because consistent worship anchors awareness in Śiva and prevents the mind from falling into forgetfulness and tamas.
Maintain nitya-pūjā and constant smaraṇa: daily Liṅga worship, pañcākṣarī japa (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), and simple moment-to-moment remembrance, especially during idle times.