Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 40
संध्याचरित्रवर्णनम् (Sandhyā-caritra-varṇana) — “Account of Sandhyā’s Story”
न भावं तपसस्तात सानुजानाति कंचन । तस्माद्यथोपदेशात्सा प्राप्नोत्विष्टं तथा कुरु
na bhāvaṃ tapasastāta sānujānāti kaṃcana | tasmādyathopadeśātsā prāpnotviṣṭaṃ tathā kuru
O mahal, walang sinuman ang tunay na makapagpapahintulot o makapagtatakda ng panloob na layon at bunga ng austeridad ng iba. Kaya gawin mo nang ganap ayon sa itinuro sa iyo, upang makamtan niya ang ninanais niyang layon.
Brahmā
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
FAQs
It emphasizes that the true power of tapas lies in inner bhāva (intent) and cannot be judged or sanctioned by others; spiritual success comes by faithfully following proper upadeśa aligned with dharma.
Linga/Saguna Shiva worship in the Shiva Purana repeatedly stresses correct method and inner devotion; this verse supports that outer acts gain Shaiva merit when performed as instructed, with right intention, rather than seeking human approval.
The takeaway is disciplined adherence to prescribed worship (vidhi) and mantra-upadeśa—performing japa and vrata exactly as taught, with steady bhāva—rather than improvising or relying on others’ validation.