Shloka 44
Dāruvana-parīkṣā: Śaṅkara’s Test and the Linga’s Ritual-Theological Grounding
पूजितः परया भक्त्या प्रार्थितः शंकरस्तदा । सुप्रसन्नस्ततो भूत्वा तानुवाच महेश्वरः
pūjitaḥ parayā bhaktyā prārthitaḥ śaṃkarastadā | suprasannastato bhūtvā tānuvāca maheśvaraḥ
تب شَنکر کو اعلیٰ بھکتی سے پوجا گیا اور خلوص سے عرض کی گئی؛ وہ نہایت خوشنود ہوئے، پھر مہیشور نے اُن سے فرمایا۔
Suta Goswami (narrating the episode; the next speech is by Lord Shiva/Maheshvara)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Sthala Purana: General purāṇic motif: when devas/ṛṣis perform parā-bhakti and prārthanā, Śiva becomes suprasanna and grants instruction/boon; this verse functions as the narrative hinge into Śiva’s upadeśa about liṅga-sthāpana.
Significance: Models the siddhāntic principle that Śiva’s anugraha (grace) is elicited by bhakti and proper worship, leading to śānti and auspicious outcomes.
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It highlights the Shaiva Siddhanta emphasis on Śiva’s anugraha (grace): when worship is offered with para-bhakti (supreme devotion) and sincere prayer, the Lord becomes suprasanna—readily bestowing guidance and blessings.
The verse reflects Saguna-upasana in Purana narrative: devotees worship and petition Śaṅkara in a personal form, and the compassionate Mahēśvara responds—mirroring how Linga worship culminates in the Lord’s felt presence and instruction.
The takeaway is bhakti-centered worship: perform pūjā with focused devotion and prayer, supported by japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and inner surrender, seeking Śiva’s prasāda (gracious response).