Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 79
सेवातत्त्वप्रश्नः — The Question of Whom to Serve (Sevā) for the Removal of Suffering
ईदृशो विरलो लोके गृहाश्रमविवर्जितः । यदि लोके भवत्यस्मिन्दर्शनात्पापहारकः
īdṛśo viralo loke gṛhāśramavivarjitaḥ | yadi loke bhavatyasmindarśanātpāpahārakaḥ
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Sūta Gosvāmin
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Bhairava
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga account; it praises the rare renunciate (gṛhāśrama-vivarjita) whose very darśana removes sin—typical Purāṇic motif of saintly presence as tīrtha.
Significance: Elevates satpuruṣa-darśana as a living pilgrimage: contact with a realized renunciate is said to cleanse pāpa and orient the paśu toward Śiva.
Role: liberating
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It praises the rarity and spiritual potency of true renunciation: a purified, detached life aligned to Shiva (Pati) becomes so sattvic that even darśana of such a person inspires inner cleansing and reduces pāpa.
In Shaiva tradition, the saint’s purity is understood as arising from steadfast devotion to Saguna Shiva (often through Linga-worship and mantra), making the devotee a living conduit of Shiva’s grace (anugraha) for others.
Seek satsanga and darśana of Shiva-bhaktas, and support it with daily japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and disciplined purity; the verse emphasizes transformative contact with the holy.