Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 2
Gautama–Ahalyā-Upākhyāna: Durbhikṣa, Tapas, and Varuṇa’s Boon (गौतमाहल्योपाख्यानम्)
पुरा ऋषिवरश्चासीद्गौतमो नाम विश्रुतः । अहल्या नाम तस्यासीत्पत्नी परमधार्मिकी
purā ṛṣivaraścāsīdgautamo nāma viśrutaḥ | ahalyā nāma tasyāsītpatnī paramadhārmikī
在远古之时，有一位最胜圣仙，名闻遐迩，号为乔多摩（Gautama）。其妻名阿诃梨耶（Ahalyā），至为正直，极其奉持达摩。
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Role: nurturing
FAQs
The verse establishes a dharmic setting by presenting Gautama as a revered ṛṣi and Ahalyā as supremely virtuous, highlighting that spiritual narratives in the Shiva Purana unfold within the moral law (dharma) that supports devotion (bhakti) and inner purity.
By foregrounding exemplary householders rooted in dharma, the text prepares the ground for Saguna Shiva worship—where purity of conduct, truthfulness, and disciplined living become the supportive basis for Linga-oriented devotion and the reception of Shiva’s grace.
While no specific rite is stated, the implied takeaway is dharmic discipline as a prerequisite for Shaiva sadhana—regular japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namah Shivaya), maintaining purity, and steady devotion that aligns one’s life with Shiva’s grace.