Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 30
Dāruvana-parīkṣā: Śaṅkara’s Test and the Linga’s Ritual-Theological Grounding
सूत उवाच । इत्युक्तास्ते प्रणम्योचुर्ब्रह्माणमृषयश्च वै । किमस्माभिर्विधे कार्यं तत्कार्यं त्वं समादिश
sūta uvāca | ityuktāste praṇamyocurbrahmāṇamṛṣayaśca vai | kimasmābhirvidhe kāryaṃ tatkāryaṃ tvaṃ samādiśa
苏多说道：诸仙闻此，向梵天顶礼而言：“噢，维提（造作与安立者）啊，我们当作何事？请指示我们那应当完成的本分。”
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga-specific passage; it depicts the proper disciplic posture—humble inquiry to the cosmic ordainer (Brahmā) to learn the rite connected with Śiva-liṅga stability.
Significance: Models śaraṇāgati and vinaya (bowing, asking for injunction), considered essential prerequisites for fruitful Śiva-upāsanā.
FAQs
It highlights śaraṇāgati (humble surrender): the sages bow and ask for clear instruction, showing that spiritual progress in Shaiva dharma begins with humility, discipline, and readiness to perform the divinely appointed duty.
Though Brahmā is addressed here, the narrative setting of the Koṭirudrasaṃhitā frames duties connected to Shiva’s sacred manifestations (notably Jyotirliṅgas). The verse models the correct inner posture for Saguna Shiva worship—obedient service, reverence, and acting only as instructed by legitimate spiritual authority.
The direct practice implied is praṇāma (prostration) and receiving niyama (a prescribed duty). In Shaiva practice this aligns with taking up instructed observances—such as mantra-japa (e.g., Om Namaḥ Śivāya), pilgrimage discipline, or regulated worship—under guidance rather than personal whim.