Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 38
वराङ्ग्याः सुतजन्म-उत्पातवर्णनम् | Birth of Varāṅgī’s Son and the Description of Portents
Utpātas
तारक उवाच । त्वयि प्रसन्ने वरदे किमसाध्यं भवेन्मम । अतो याचे वरं त्वत्तः शृणु तन्मे पितामह
tāraka uvāca | tvayi prasanne varade kimasādhyaṃ bhavenmama | ato yāce varaṃ tvattaḥ śṛṇu tanme pitāmaha
Tāraka thưa: “Khi Ngài hoan hỷ, ô Đấng ban ân phúc, đối với con còn điều gì là không thể đạt được? Vì thế con xin một ân huệ từ Ngài—xin lắng nghe lời thỉnh cầu của con, ô Đấng Tổ Phụ (Phạm Thiên Brahmā).”
Tāraka
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse highlights the Purāṇic principle that attainment follows divine prasāda (grace). In Shaiva thought, grace becomes liberating when directed toward Śiva (Pati), but when sought for egoic power it binds the soul (paśu) more tightly in pāśa (bondage).
Though addressed to Brahmā, the narrative sets up the contrast central to Shiva Purana: worldly boons obtained through other deities cannot override Śiva’s supreme governance. Linga/Saguṇa-Śiva worship is presented as the reliable path for purification and liberation rather than merely acquiring powers.
The takeaway is to seek grace through sāttvika devotion—especially japa of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—instead of craving boons for dominance. Regular worship with bhasma (tripuṇḍra) and Rudrākṣa supports humility and steadiness of intent.