Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 32
Śiva–Hari–Rudra–Vidhīnāṃ Tattva-nirṇayaḥ
Identity of Śiva, Viṣṇu, Rudra, and Brahmā; Nirguṇa–Saguṇa Reconciliation
व्यास उवाच । एतदाकर्ण्य वचनं सूतः पौराणिकोत्तमः । स्मृत्वा शिवपदाम्भोजं मुनींस्तानब्रवीद्वचः
vyāsa uvāca | etadākarṇya vacanaṃ sūtaḥ paurāṇikottamaḥ | smṛtvā śivapadāmbhojaṃ munīṃstānabravīdvacaḥ
Vyāsa nói: Nghe những lời ấy, Sūta—bậc tối thắng trong hàng người kể Purāṇa—liền tưởng niệm đôi chân sen của Thượng Đế Śiva, rồi cất lời nói với các hiền thánh kia.
Vyasa
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Type: stotra
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: nurturing
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It establishes the Shaiva principle that sacred teaching becomes fruitful when begun with bhakti—remembering Śiva’s lotus-feet—so the narration proceeds under the grace of Pati (Śiva), benefitting the listeners (the sages).
By invoking “Śiva’s lotus-feet,” the verse emphasizes saguna-upāsanā (devotional contemplation of Śiva with attributes), which in Purāṇic practice naturally includes reverence to the Śiva-liṅga and pilgrimage themes central to the Koṭirudrasaṃhitā.
Begin study or kathā with śiva-smaraṇa—mentally bowing to Śiva’s feet—optionally paired with japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) to sanctify speech and hearing.