Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 14
योगाचार्यरूपेण शर्वावताराः (Śarva’s manifestations as Yoga-Teachers)
सुधामा कश्यपश्चैव वसिष्ठो विरजास्तथा । अत्रिरुग्रो गुरुश्रेष्ठः श्रवनोथ श्रविष्टकः
sudhāmā kaśyapaścaiva vasiṣṭho virajāstathā | atrirugro guruśreṣṭhaḥ śravanotha śraviṣṭakaḥ
سُدھاما، کشیپ، وِسِشٹھ اور وِرَجا؛ اتری، اُگر، گروؤں میں برتر، اور اسی طرح شَرَوَن اور شَرَوِشٹھک—یہ معزز نام یہاں ترتیب سے شمار کیے گئے ہیں۔
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse reverentially enumerates accomplished seers, highlighting that Shaiva wisdom is preserved and transmitted through realized rishis and the guru-lineage—an essential support for progressing from pasha (bondage) toward Shiva’s grace (pati-anugraha).
By honoring the rishis and foremost gurus, the text underscores that authentic Linga/Saguna-Shiva worship is learned through proper instruction and scriptural tradition, not mere personal invention—ensuring devotion is aligned with Shaiva dharma.
The implied practice is śravaṇa (devotional listening) and guru-sevā: regularly hear Shiva-kathā from qualified teachers, then support it with steady japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) as taught in the tradition.