Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 28
अन्धक-प्रश्नः — Inquiry into Andhaka
Genealogy and Nature
कालेऽथ तस्मिञ्शिशिरे प्रयातो हिरण्यनेत्रस्त्वथ पुत्रकामः । स्वज्येष्ठबंधोस्तनयप्रतानं संवीक्ष्य चासीत्प्रियया नियुक्तः
kāle'tha tasmiñśiśire prayāto hiraṇyanetrastvatha putrakāmaḥ | svajyeṣṭhabaṃdhostanayapratānaṃ saṃvīkṣya cāsītpriyayā niyuktaḥ
Rồi vào mùa đông ấy, Hiraṇyanetra lên đường, khát khao có một người con trai. Thấy dòng con cháu của người anh cả mình đang hưng thịnh, ông được người vợ yêu dấu thúc giục (để cầu con nối dõi).
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It shows how worldly aims (like progeny) arise from comparison and family circumstance, and how a householder is directed toward right action; in Shaiva thought, such aims are fulfilled best when aligned with dharma and sought with Shiva’s grace rather than mere craving.
The verse sets the motive (putrakāma) that typically leads a devotee to undertake Shiva-oriented vows, worship, or pilgrimages; Saguna Shiva as the compassionate Lord is approached for orderly family life, while remembering that ultimate fulfillment culminates in devotion and liberation.
A traditional takeaway is putrakāma-oriented Shiva worship: daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” Linga-abhisheka with purity and restraint, and observing vrata on Mondays or Mahāśivarātri while maintaining dharmic conduct.