Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 56
व्योमवाणी-श्रवणं, गणानां शरणागमनं, सती-दाह-वृत्तान्तः — Hearing the Heavenly Voice; The Gaṇas Seek Refuge; Account of Satī’s Self-Immolation
तत्र त्वयि गते देवा विश्वाद्य अपि सादरम् । स्तोष्यंति त्वां तदाप्याशु ज्वालया ज्वालयैव तान्
tatra tvayi gate devā viśvādya api sādaram | stoṣyaṃti tvāṃ tadāpyāśu jvālayā jvālayaiva tān
Pagdating mo roon, ang mga diyos—ang mga Viśvadeva at iba pa—ay pupuri sa iyo nang may paggalang. Gayunman, agad mo silang sunugin sa iyong liyab; oo, sunugin sila kaagad.
Lord Shiva (addressing Sati in counsel)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Vīrabhadra
Sthala Purana: Within Dakṣa-yajña: even if devas offer stuti after seeing power, it is portrayed as opportunistic and not true surrender; hence punishment continues until adharmic structure is broken.
Significance: Teaches discernment: praise (stotra) without transformation is insufficient; true anugraha follows after egoic structures are reduced (symbolized by burning).
Type: stotra
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: destructive
FAQs
It emphasizes that even respectful praise from the devas can be secondary to dharma and Shiva’s higher will; the “flame” symbolizes the decisive, purifying power of Shiva-tattva that cuts through delusion, pride, and adharmic interference.
The verse points to Saguna Shiva’s active sovereignty: while devas may offer stuti, ultimate refuge and authority rest in Shiva alone. In Linga-worship, devotees honor Shiva as Pati—the supreme Lord—beyond the limited hierarchy of the gods.
A practical takeaway is steadfast japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with inner vairāgya—letting Shiva’s “jvālā” be the fire of discernment that burns ego and distractions; optionally supported by Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrākṣa as Shaiva disciplines.