Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 32
दुर्गोपवीत-रचना तथा शिवामलङ्कारोत्सवः | The Making of the Durgopavīta and Pārvatī’s Auspicious Adornment Festival
अहं विष्णुस्तथा चेन्द्रो लोकपाला स्तथैव च । अग्रगाः स्मातिशोभन्ते श्रिया परमया श्रिताः
ahaṃ viṣṇustathā cendro lokapālā stathaiva ca | agragāḥ smātiśobhante śriyā paramayā śritāḥ
“Ako, si Viṣṇu at si Indra, gayundin ang mga tagapangalaga ng mga daigdig, ay nasa unahang hanay at nagliliwanag—inaalalayan at pinalalamutian ng kataas-taasang karilagan (śrī) na aming sinasandigan.”
Lord Brahma (narrating within the Rudrasaṃhitā context)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Shakti Form: Lalitā
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It teaches that even the highest cosmic authorities (Brahmā’s side, Viṣṇu, Indra, and the Lokapālas) shine only by relying on the supreme divine glory—ultimately grounded in the Lord’s (Pati’s) power, not in independent ego or office.
In the Shiva Purana’s devotional frame, the ‘supreme śrī’ is approached through Saguna worship—especially the Śiva-liṅga—by which devotees and even Devas obtain auspiciousness, authority, and protection through refuge in Shiva’s presence.
The practical takeaway is śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) expressed through daily liṅga-pūjā with bhasma (tripuṇḍra), Rudrākṣa, and japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” cultivating humility and dependence on Shiva’s grace.