Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 61
मङ्गलपत्रिकाग्रहणम् — Reception of the Auspicious Marriage Invitation
बहिः कैलासकुधराच्छम्भुस्तस्थौ मुदान्वितः । देवैस्सह द्विजैश्चैव नानास्वीकारकः प्रभुः
bahiḥ kailāsakudharācchambhustasthau mudānvitaḥ | devaissaha dvijaiścaiva nānāsvīkārakaḥ prabhuḥ
在凯拉萨山外，商婆（Śambhu）欢喜充满而伫立。此主宰慈然纳受种种供品与诸般礼拜之式，偕同诸天神与二生的圣贤同在。
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Sthala Purana: No Jyotirliṅga identification; the verse stresses Śambhu as ‘nānāsvīkāraka’—the Lord who accepts diverse modes of approach—standing outside Kailāsa with devas and dvijas.
Significance: Affirms inclusivity of upāsanā: Śiva receives many forms of worship (bahu-upāya), yet remains the single Pati granting anugraha; encourages devotees of varied capacities to approach without fear of rejection.
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It highlights Shiva as Pati (the sovereign Lord) who stands accessible to devotees and sages alike, and who compassionately accepts diverse sincere approaches—showing that devotion (bhakti) and reverence, not mere display, draw divine grace.
By calling Shiva “nānā-svīkārakaḥ,” the verse supports Saguna worship—Shiva receiving offerings through many valid forms, including Linga worship, mantra, and ritual—so long as the intent is pure and aligned with dharma.
A practical takeaway is to worship Shiva with whatever is available—offering water, bilva leaves, or bhasma with the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” trusting that Shiva accepts sincere worship in many forms.