Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 32
ब्राह्मणीस्वर्गतिवर्णनम्
Brāhmaṇī-Svargati-Varṇana: Account of a Brāhmaṇa Woman’s Ascent to Heaven
सूत उवाच । इत्येतद्वचनं श्रुत्वा स्वमातुर्गोर्द्विजोत्तमाः । मौनत्वं स्वीकृतं तत्र वत्सेनोक्तं न किञ्चन
sūta uvāca | ityetadvacanaṃ śrutvā svamāturgordvijottamāḥ | maunatvaṃ svīkṛtaṃ tatra vatsenoktaṃ na kiñcana
Sinabi ni Sūta: O pinakamainam sa mga dvija, nang marinig niya ang mga salitang yaon tungkol sa sarili niyang ina na baka, ang guya roon ay tumanggap ng katahimikan at hindi nagsalita ni anuman.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Sthala Purana: The calf’s silence after hearing the mother-cow’s words functions as a narrative hinge: the creaturely soul (paśu) is struck by the gravity of karmic affliction and the prospect of release through a sacred place.
Significance: Highlights inner transformation (mauna, saṃvega) that precedes pilgrimage and ritual purification.
FAQs
The verse highlights mauna (disciplined silence) as a sign of inner restraint and reverence—an attitude valued in Shaiva dharma for steadying the mind and turning awareness inward toward Shiva.
Though the verse is narrative, it supports a key devotional mood: quiet receptivity and humility. In Saguna Shiva worship—especially before the Linga—silence and attentive listening are considered conducive to bhakti and concentration.
A practical takeaway is brief mauna before japa—such as mentally centering, then repeating the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with focused awareness—using silence to reduce distraction and stabilize devotion.