Shiva Purana — Satarudra Samhita, Shloka 56
द्विजेश्वरावतारः
The Manifestation of Shiva as Dvijeśvara
तव भावपरीक्षार्थं द्विजो भूत्वाहमागतः । व्याघ्रेण या परिग्रस्ता साक्षाद्देवी शिवा हि सा
tava bhāvaparīkṣārthaṃ dvijo bhūtvāhamāgataḥ | vyāghreṇa yā parigrastā sākṣāddevī śivā hi sā
Upang subukin ang tunay na damdamin ng iyong puso, ako’y dumating dito sa anyo ng isang brāhmaṇa. At ang babaeng sinunggaban ng tigre—alamin mo—siya mismo ang Devī Śivā, hayag na nahaharap sa iyo.
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: teaching
FAQs
It teaches that Śiva evaluates a devotee’s bhāva (inner motive) rather than outer status; divine tests reveal compassion, surrender, and steadiness—key virtues on the Shaiva path to grace (anugraha) and liberation.
Saguna Śiva compassionately assumes a visible form (here, as a brāhmaṇa) to guide the devotee; the verse reinforces that true Liṅga-worship is not mere ritual display but heartfelt devotion expressed as dharma and protection of the Divine (seen here as Devī Śivā).
Practice bhāva-śuddhi (purifying intention) through japa of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” and cultivate compassionate action as an offering—supported by simple Shaiva observances like bhasma (tripuṇḍra) and mindful remembrance of Śiva’s presence in all beings.