Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 32
राहोर्विमोचनानन्तरं जलन्धरस्य सैन्योद्योगः — Rahu’s Aftermath and Jalandhara’s Mobilization
तत्पराक्रमतस्तुष्टो वरं ब्रूहीत्यहं खलु । इति मद्वचनं श्रुत्वा स वव्रे वरमुत्तमम्
tatparākramatastuṣṭo varaṃ brūhītyahaṃ khalu | iti madvacanaṃ śrutvā sa vavre varamuttamam
我因其英勇而欢喜，便确实说道：“说吧——择取一项恩赐。”他听了我的话，便选择了至上的恩赐。
Lord Shiva (narrative voice within the Yuddhakhaṇḍa context)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadashiva
Role: liberating
FAQs
It highlights Shiva’s anugraha (grace): when valor is aligned with dharma and devotion, the Lord becomes pleased and invites the devotee to ask—pointing to the Shaiva Siddhanta theme that liberation ultimately depends on Shiva’s gracious bestowal.
The verse reflects Saguna Shiva’s personal responsiveness: the Lord who is worshipped as the Linga also engages devotees through compassion and dialogue, granting boons that can culminate in the ‘uttama vara’—steadfast devotion and nearness to Shiva.
The takeaway is to seek the ‘highest boon’ through focused devotion—japa of the Panchākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with vibhūti (Tripuṇḍra) and rudrākṣa, offering one’s effort and courage to Shiva and praying for His grace rather than merely worldly gains.