Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 5
देवर्षि-प्रश्नः तथा असुर-वध-हेतुनिवेदनम् | The Devas’ Petition and the Cause for Slaying Asuras
ब्रह्मोवाच । इति पृष्टे हरेणाहं सर्वलोकपितामहः । मुनेऽवोचं महादेवं विष्णुना परिचोदितः
brahmovāca | iti pṛṣṭe hareṇāhaṃ sarvalokapitāmahaḥ | mune'vocaṃ mahādevaṃ viṣṇunā paricoditaḥ
梵天曰：当哈利（毗湿奴 Viṣṇu）如此发问时，我——诸世界之祖父——圣者啊，在毗湿奴的催促下，便对大天（Mahādeva）陈说。
Brahma
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
The verse establishes Mahādeva as the ultimate refuge and authoritative source of spiritual clarity: even Brahmā, prompted by Viṣṇu, turns toward Śiva—signifying that Pati (Śiva) is the final teacher who resolves doubt and grants right understanding.
By showing the foremost deities approaching Mahādeva for guidance, the Purāṇa frames Saguna Śiva (often worshipped as the Liṅga) as the accessible, gracious Lord who responds to sincere inquiry and leads devotees toward the highest truth.
The practical takeaway is to approach Śiva with humility and inquiry—supported by simple Shaiva practice such as japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") and reverent worship (arcana) of the Liṅga when seeking inner clarity.