Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 9
Bhaimaśaṅkara-māhātmya: Śiva’s Descent in Kāmarūpa and the Rise of Bhīma
सूत उवाच । एवं पृष्टा तदा तेन पुत्रेण राक्षसी च सा । उवाच पुत्रं सा दुष्टा श्रूयतां कथयाम्यहम्
sūta uvāca | evaṃ pṛṣṭā tadā tena putreṇa rākṣasī ca sā | uvāca putraṃ sā duṣṭā śrūyatāṃ kathayāmyaham
苏多说道：当时她被儿子如此询问，那邪恶的罗刹女便对儿子说：“听着，我将告诉你。”
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse highlights śravaṇa (devout listening) as the gateway to transformation—yet it also warns that counsel delivered from a “duṣṭā” (corrupt mind) can bind one further in pāśa (bondage), unlike Shiva-centered wisdom which liberates.
As a narrative hinge, it prepares for teaching through story; in Shaiva practice, right hearing of Shiva-kathā supports Saguna Shiva devotion (Linga worship) by shaping discernment (viveka) and turning the mind toward Pati (Shiva) rather than toward rākṣasika impulses.
The implied practice is śravaṇa of Shiva Purana and satsanga-style listening; paired devotionally with japa of the Panchakshara “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” to purify the listener’s inner intent before accepting guidance.