Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 18
दक्षयज्ञे सत्या अपमानबोधः — Satī Encounters Disrespect at Dakṣa’s Sacrifice
यद्यपि त्वां करं दत्त्वा बहुवारं महेश्वरः । अशिक्षयत्पुरा शाल्वप्रमुखाकृतिभिर्हरे
yadyapi tvāṃ karaṃ dattvā bahuvāraṃ maheśvaraḥ | aśikṣayatpurā śālvapramukhākṛtibhirhare
噢，诃利（毗湿奴）啊，纵然往昔大自在天（Maheśvara）屡屡执你之手，教诲并锻炼于你——化现为沙尔瓦（Śālva）等诸形——然而如今仍生此等局面。
Suta Goswami (narrating the Rudra-saṃhitā account to the sages, conveying the puranic dialogue context)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Rudra
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga account; it recalls prior episodes where Śiva, by assuming various forms, ‘trained’ Viṣṇu—illustrating divine pedagogy and the persistence of delusion (tirodhāna) even among devas.
Significance: Encourages humility: even exalted beings require Śiva’s instruction; remembrance of Śiva’s past interventions strengthens śraddhā and corrects pride.
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse highlights Śiva as Maheśvara—the supreme Guru—who repeatedly guides even great deities. In Shaiva Siddhanta terms, it points to Pati (Śiva) as the ultimate bestower of right knowledge and discipline that leads the soul beyond bondage.
By portraying Maheśvara actively teaching and assuming forms, the verse supports Saguna worship—Śiva’s compassionate, accessible presence. Linga-worship similarly centers on approaching Śiva as the living Guru-principle who reveals grace (anugraha) through tangible forms and symbols.
A practical takeaway is Guru-bhāva toward Śiva: daily japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and Rudrākṣa, praying for śikṣā (inner training) and steadiness in dharma.