Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 11

Śiva–Hari–Rudra–Vidhīnāṃ Tattva-nirṇayaḥ

Identity of Śiva, Viṣṇu, Rudra, and Brahmā; Nirguṇa–Saguṇa Reconciliation

Devanagari script

समानरूपकर्माणौ समभक्तगतिप्रदौ । समानाखिलसंसेव्यौ नानालीलाविहारिणौ

Transliteration

samānarūpakarmāṇau samabhaktagatipradau | samānākhilasaṃsevyau nānālīlāvihāriṇau

Translation

Magkatulad sila sa anyo at sa banal na gawain; ipinagkakaloob nila ang iisang sukdulang hantungan sa mga deboto. Kapwa sila karapat-dapat parangalan ng lahat, at nalulugod sa pagpapamalas ng maraming kahanga-hangang līlā.

Word by Word

• समानरूपकर्माणौ: the two (who are) of same form and deeds
• समानरूपकर्माणौ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: समान + रूप + कर्मन् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, द्विवचन; विशेषण—'having the same form and actions' (dual, referring to two)

• समभक्तगतिप्रदौ: the two who grant the same goal to devotees
• समभक्तगतिप्रदौ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: सम + भक्त + गति + प्रद (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, द्विवचन; विशेषण—'granting the same goal to devotees'

• समानाखिलसंसेव्यौ: the two equally worthy of service by all
• समानाखिलसंसेव्यौ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: समान + अखिल + संसेव्य (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, द्विवचन; विशेषण—'equally to be served by all'

• नानालीलाविहारिणौ: the two who sport in many pastimes
• नानालीलाविहारिणौ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: नाना + लीला + विहारिन् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, द्विवचन; विशेषण—'sporting in various divine plays'

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Shaiva Theology

Tattva Level: pati

Shiva Form: Rudra

Jyotirlinga Context

Significance: Affirms that devotion to either designation (Śiva/Rudra) yields the same gati (supreme end), reinforcing ekatva-bhakti and confidence in the Lord’s saving grace.

Mantra Metadata

Type: stotra

Ritual Elements

Offering: pushpa

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in the Shiva Purana?

It teaches that the Lord’s grace is impartial: sincere bhakti is met with the same liberating refuge (gati). From a Shaiva Siddhanta lens, the Pati (Shiva) alone grants the highest end, and His manifestations—though many in līlā—share one saving power for devotees.

How does this verse relate to the worship of the Linga or Saguna Shiva?

It supports the Purāṇic view that Saguna forms—especially the Liṅga as Shiva’s accessible presence—are equally fit for worship and can grant the same spiritual goal when approached with devotion, regardless of which sacred manifestation or shrine is served.

What ritualistic or meditative practice is suggested here?

Practice steady bhakti with sameness of heart: daily Liṅga-pūjā (water, bilva leaves), japa of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” and observances like Mahāśivarātri vrata—trusting that Shiva’s grace grants the supreme gati.