Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 42
विष्णोर्दर्शनं स्तुतिश्च
Viṣṇu’s Manifestation and Brahmā’s Hymn
गृह्णीयाच्छंकरः पत्नीं विचारो हृदि चेत्तव । शिवामुद्दिश्य सुतपः कुरु ब्रह्मन् शिवं स्मरन्
gṛhṇīyācchaṃkaraḥ patnīṃ vicāro hṛdi cettava | śivāmuddiśya sutapaḥ kuru brahman śivaṃ smaran
Kung tunay na sumibol sa iyong puso ang pag-iisip na si Śaṅkara ay dapat tumanggap ng isang asawa, kung gayon, O Brahmā, magsagawa ka ng matinding tapas, na si Śivā ang iyong layon, habang inaalala si Śiva; sa gayong maka-Diyos na pagsasakripisyo, matutupad ang banal na adhikain.
Lord Shiva (as Śaṅkara), instructing Brahmā within the Satī narrative context
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: creative
FAQs
The verse teaches that even cosmic events (like Śiva accepting a consort) unfold through dharmic means—pure intention, disciplined tapas, and steady remembrance of Śiva—showing that divine grace is approached through focused spiritual practice.
By emphasizing “remembering Śiva” while doing tapas, the verse supports Saguna upāsanā—devotional meditation on Śiva with form and attributes (often approached through Liṅga-worship), where concentration and devotion become the channel for Śiva’s manifest will.
It recommends tapas combined with smaraṇa (continuous remembrance/meditation) of Śiva—practically done through japa of Shiva’s names or the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) while maintaining disciplined vows and purity.