Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 1
Dāruvana-parīkṣā: Śaṅkara’s Test and the Linga’s Ritual-Theological Grounding
ऋषय ऊचुः । सूत जानासि सकलं वस्तु व्यासप्रसादतः । तवाज्ञातं न विद्येत तस्मात्पृच्छामहे वयम्
ṛṣaya ūcuḥ | sūta jānāsi sakalaṃ vastu vyāsaprasādataḥ | tavājñātaṃ na vidyeta tasmātpṛcchāmahe vayam
诸仙人说道：“噢，苏多，承毗耶娑之恩，你通晓此事的一切。于你无有不知；因此我们向你请问（愿你开示）。”
The sages of Naimisharanya (ṛṣis)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It establishes the authority of the narration through guru-paramparā: Sūta’s knowledge is validated as flowing from Vyāsa’s grace, emphasizing that sacred Shaiva teachings are best received through a trustworthy lineage and attentive listening (śravaṇa).
Kotirudra Saṃhitā centers on Jyotirliṅga māhātmya (Saguna manifestations of Shiva as the Linga). The sages’ request signals that understanding and devotion toward these forms should be grounded in authentic Purāṇic instruction transmitted by realized teachers.
The implied practice is śravaṇa and praśna (reverent inquiry): hearing Shiva’s glories from a qualified speaker and asking sincere questions—an essential devotional discipline that supports mantra-japa (e.g., the Pañcākṣarī) and pilgrimage faith.