Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 58
देवस्तुतिः—नन्दिकेश्वरविज्ञप्तिः—शम्भोः समाधेः उत्थानम्
Devas’ Hymn, Nandikeśvara’s Petition, and Śiva’s Rising from Samādhi
भक्ताधीनः शंकरोऽपि श्रुत्वा देववचस्तदा । विहस्य प्रत्युवाचाशु वेदमर्यादरक्षकः
bhaktādhīnaḥ śaṃkaro'pi śrutvā devavacastadā | vihasya pratyuvācāśu vedamaryādarakṣakaḥ
Pagkaraan, si Śaṅkara—bagaman Siya ang Kataas-taasang Panginoon—dahil laging tumutugon sa mga deboto, ay nakinig sa mga salita ng mga deva. Ngumiti Siya, at bilang Tagapangalaga ng kabanalan ng mga Veda, agad Siyang sumagot.
Suta Goswami (narrating; introducing Lord Shiva’s reply)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Role: teaching
FAQs
It reveals Shiva’s core nature: though transcendent, He willingly responds to devotion (bhakti) while simultaneously safeguarding Vedic maryada—showing that grace and dharma are not opposed.
Linga/Saguna worship is a direct channel of bhakti; this verse implies Shiva accepts and answers such devotion, but the worship should remain aligned with scriptural discipline and purity (maryada).
Practice bhakti with discipline: daily Shiva-puja with Panchakshara japa ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya"), Tripuṇḍra/bhasma and rudrākṣa where appropriate, and conduct consistent with Vedic dharma.