Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 24
शिवतत्त्ववर्णनम् (Śiva-tattva-varṇana) — “Description/Exposition of the Principle of Śiva”
त्वमप्यवतरस्वाद्य लीलया निर्गुणोपि हि । सहायं कुरु नौ तात त्वं परः परमेश्वरः
tvamapyavatarasvādya līlayā nirguṇopi hi | sahāyaṃ kuru nau tāta tvaṃ paraḥ parameśvaraḥ
噢，太初之主，愿你今以神圣的戏乐（līlā）而降临——虽你实超越一切三德（guṇa）。愿你作我们的助佑，慈爱的主；因为你是至上者，最高的自在天（Parameśvara）。
Brahmā
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Role: liberating
Cosmic Event: creation-era theogonic crisis (Brahmā–Viṣṇu contention) prompting divine descent
FAQs
It affirms that Śiva is nirguṇa (beyond prakṛti and its guṇas) yet, out of compassion and līlā, can manifest to guide beings—showing the Shaiva Siddhānta view of the Supreme Pati who freely reveals Himself for liberation.
Although Śiva is transcendent, devotees approach Him through accessible forms—especially the Śiva-liṅga—as a saguna support for devotion and meditation, while remembering His true nirguṇa supremacy.
Contemplate Śiva as both nirguṇa and manifest, and worship with the Pañcākṣarī mantra ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") before the liṅga; this aligns devotion (bhakti) with inner meditation on the Supreme Parameśvara.