Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 51
Śivapūjā-stuti: Deva-Ṛṣi-Paramparāyāṃ Śaṃkara-caritasya Prastāvaḥ
Prelude to Śaṃkara’s narrative and the lineage of Śiva-worship
जरासंधो महाशैवस्तद्वंश्याश्च नृपास्तथा । निमिश्शैवश्च जनकस्तत्पुत्राश्शिवपूजकाः
jarāsaṃdho mahāśaivastadvaṃśyāśca nṛpāstathā | nimiśśaivaśca janakastatputrāśśivapūjakāḥ
جراسندھ مہاشَیو تھا اور اس کی نسل کے بادشاہ بھی ویسے ہی تھے۔ نِمی بھی شَیو تھا، اور راجا جنک بھی؛ اور جنک کے بیٹے بھی شِو کے پوجاری تھے۔
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Sthala Purana: Enumerative praise: even politically formidable figures (e.g., Jarāsandha) and renowned dharmic kings (Nimi, Janaka) are presented as Śaivas, underscoring Śiva’s lordship over all social/political spheres.
Significance: Reinforces that Śiva-bhakti is compatible with kingship and worldly duty; promotes the idea that devotion can be dynastic and pan-Indian.
FAQs
It establishes that devotion to Pati (Lord Shiva) is not limited by dynasty or social role: even powerful kings attained spiritual merit by being steadfast Shaivas, showing that bhakti and Shiva-puja are compatible with righteous worldly duties.
By calling these rulers “Shaiva” and “Shiva-worshippers,” the verse points to regular saguna upasana—commonly expressed in the Shiva Purana as linga-puja with offerings, mantra, and reverence—through which householders and rulers honor Shiva while seeking grace and liberation.
The takeaway is consistent daily Shiva-puja: worship of the Shiva-linga with the Panchakshara mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), along with traditional Shaiva observances such as vibhuti (tripundra) and rudraksha as supports for remembrance and devotion.