Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 5
द्वारपाल-गणेशसंवादः / The Dialogue at the Gate: Gaṇeśa and Śiva’s Gaṇas
ब्रह्मोवाच । एवं श्रुत्वा वचस्तस्य हास्यं कृत्वा परस्परम् । ऊचुस्सर्वे शिवगणा महावीरा गतस्मयाः
brahmovāca | evaṃ śrutvā vacastasya hāsyaṃ kṛtvā parasparam | ūcussarve śivagaṇā mahāvīrā gatasmayāḥ
梵天说道：听到他这番话后，湿婆的英勇众伽那彼此相视而笑；继而抛却一切傲慢与矫饰，众人齐声开口。
Brahma
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
It highlights that even Śiva’s mighty gaṇas become “gatasmayāḥ” (free of pride) before speaking—pointing to the Shaiva ideal that ego (smaya) must soften for right understanding and for receptivity to Śiva’s grace.
Linga/Saguna-Śiva worship is not merely external reverence; it requires inner disposition. The gaṇas’ shedding of pride reflects the attitude of surrender and humility that makes ritual and devotion fruitful in approaching Śiva as Pati (the Lord).
A practical takeaway is to begin japa (especially of the Pañcākṣarī, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and pūjā with a deliberate act of humility—mentally offering one’s ego at Śiva’s feet—so the practice becomes inwardly aligned, not pride-driven.