Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 20
नारदमोहवर्णनम् — Description of Nārada’s Delusion
चित्ते विचिन्त्य स मुनिराप्नुयां कथमेनकाम् । स्वयंवरे नृपालानामेकं मां वृणुयात्कथम्
citte vicintya sa munirāpnuyāṃ kathamenakām | svayaṃvare nṛpālānāmekaṃ māṃ vṛṇuyātkatham
那位牟尼在心中反复思量： “我如何才能得到这位心所愿的少女？在自择婚（svayaṃvara）之中，诸王云集，她怎会只选我一人？”
Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It portrays the mind’s doubt and humility before destiny—worldly attainments (like marriage) are not secured by ego or status alone, but by merit and the unseen ordering of Śiva’s will.
Though not explicitly mentioning the Liṅga here, the verse sets a devotional subtext: when personal effort feels insufficient, the devotee turns from self-reliance to seeking the favor of Saguna Śiva, the Lord who governs outcomes in creation.
A practical takeaway is manasika-japa (mental repetition) of the Pañcākṣarī—“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—to steady doubt and align one’s desire with dharma and Śiva’s grace.