Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 2
सेवातत्त्वप्रश्नः — The Question of Whom to Serve (Sevā) for the Removal of Suffering
ब्रह्मोवाच । एकस्मिन्समये तात ऋषीनाहूय सर्वतः । निर्जरांश्चाऽवदं प्रीत्या सुवचः पद्मसंभवः
brahmovāca | ekasminsamaye tāta ṛṣīnāhūya sarvataḥ | nirjarāṃścā'vadaṃ prītyā suvacaḥ padmasaṃbhavaḥ
برہما نے کہا—اے عزیز! ایک وقت میں نے ہر سمت سے رشیوں کو اور امر دیوتاؤں کو بلایا۔ پھر میں، پدم سے جنما برہما، محبت سے نہایت اچھے الفاظ میں ان سے مخاطب ہوا۔
Brahma
Tattva Level: pashu
Cosmic Event: deva-ṛṣi-saṅgama (council of gods and sages) within the creation-cycle narrative
FAQs
It establishes the sacred setting of transmission: Brahmā gathers rishis and devas to receive dharmic instruction, indicating that knowledge about Shiva and creation is meant to be heard in a reverent assembly (satsaṅga) and conveyed with goodwill.
Though it does not mention the Liṅga directly, it frames the authoritative narration that typically leads into Saguna Shiva teachings—how the devas and sages learn the proper understanding and worship of Lord Shiva in the creation-cycle context.
The implied practice is śravaṇa (devotional listening) in a gathered assembly—hearing Shiva-kathā with faith—an essential Shaiva discipline that supports mantra-japa (such as the Pañcākṣarī) and steady devotion.