Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 5
देवस्तुतिः—नन्दिकेश्वरविज्ञप्तिः—शम्भोः समाधेः उत्थानम्
Devas’ Hymn, Nandikeśvara’s Petition, and Śiva’s Rising from Samādhi
ब्रह्मोवाच । इत्याकर्ण्य वचस्तेषां सुराणां नन्दिकेश्वरः । कृपया परया युक्तो विज्ञप्तुं शंभुमारभत्
brahmovāca | ityākarṇya vacasteṣāṃ surāṇāṃ nandikeśvaraḥ | kṛpayā parayā yukto vijñaptuṃ śaṃbhumārabhat
Brahmā nói: Nghe như vậy lời của các chư thiên, Nandīkeśvara—đầy lòng đại bi tối thượng—bèn bắt đầu kính cẩn dâng lời thỉnh cầu lên Śambhu (Đức Śiva).
Brahma
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Sthala Purana: Narrative transition verse: after devas’ praise, Nandīkeśvara approaches Śambhu with compassionate intercession; not a site-origin account.
Significance: Models the role of Śiva’s gaṇas/gurus as compassionate mediators; encourages approaching Śiva with humility (vijñapti) and devotion.
FAQs
It highlights the Shaiva Siddhanta ethos that grace (anugraha) flows through compassion and surrender—Nandi, as Śiva’s foremost devotee, becomes the channel through which the devas approach Śambhu with humility.
The verse emphasizes approaching Saguna Śiva—Śambhu who listens and responds—through reverent petition and devotion, the same inner posture that supports Linga worship: humility, faith, and seeking Śiva’s protective grace.
The practical takeaway is bhakti-filled supplication: begin worship with a humble prayer to Śiva (often alongside japa of “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), cultivating compassion and sincerity before any external rites such as bhasma or rudrākṣa observances.