Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 20
दधीच-शाप-हेतु-वर्णनम् / The Cause of Dadhīca’s Curse
Explaining Viṣṇu’s Role at Dakṣa’s Sacrifice
संधाय पूर्ववद्देहं दधीचस्याह भार्गवः । शिवभक्ताग्रणीर्भृत्यं जयविद्याप्रवर्तकः
saṃdhāya pūrvavaddehaṃ dadhīcasyāha bhārgavaḥ | śivabhaktāgraṇīrbhṛtyaṃ jayavidyāpravartakaḥ
Nang maibalik ni Bhārgava ang katawan ni Dadhīca sa dating anyo, sinabi niya: “Siya ang pinakadakila sa mga deboto ni Śiva, tapat na tagapaglingkod, at siyang nagpasimuno ng Vidyā ng tagumpay—ang kaalamang nagbibigay ng pananaig.”
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Type: stotra
FAQs
It praises the Shaiva ideal: the highest “victory” is gained through Śiva-bhakti—humble service and steadfast devotion that invite Shiva’s grace and restore wholeness (symbolized by the body being made ‘as before’).
By calling someone the foremost devotee and a faithful attendant, the verse highlights Saguna Shiva worship—devotion expressed through reverent service, mantra/vidyā, and ritual commitment typically centered on the Linga as the accessible form of Pati (Shiva).
The verse points toward japa and vidyā-sādhana under guidance—practicing Shiva-mantra (especially the Panchakshara, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with a sevā-bhāva (spirit of service), supported by purity disciplines such as bhasma and Rudraksha where traditional.