Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 23
देवस्तुतिवर्णनम् (Deva-stuti-varṇana) — “Description of the Gods’ Hymn/Praise”
महदाराधनं देवा न सुसाध्यं विचार्य्यताम् । महदाराधने पूर्वं भवेद्दुःखमिति श्रुतम् । विज्ञाय दृढतां देवाः प्रसन्नो भवति ध्रुवम्
mahadārādhanaṃ devā na susādhyaṃ vicāryyatām | mahadārādhane pūrvaṃ bhavedduḥkhamiti śrutam | vijñāya dṛḍhatāṃ devāḥ prasanno bhavati dhruvam
“诸天啊，当深思：大供奉、大修持（对至上主的ārādhana）并非易事。古传有言：在此崇高供奉结出果报之前，艰难必先现起。然而当主见其坚贞不移，必定欢喜垂悦。”
Suta Goswami (narrating the Rudrasaṃhitā Yuddhakhaṇḍa account to the sages, conveying the teaching as scriptural counsel to the Devas)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Sthala Purana: General principle: before Śiva’s prasāda manifests, devotees/devas undergo pūrva-duḥkha (trial) that tests dṛḍhatā; not tied to a single jyotirliṅga episode in these verses.
Significance: Teaches tīrtha-bhāva: perseverance in worship and pilgrimage despite obstacles is itself a sign of ripening for grace.
Role: liberating
FAQs
It teaches that higher Shiva-sādhana is tested by initial difficulties; enduring them with dṛḍhatā (steadfastness) invites Śiva’s grace (prasāda), which alone makes the worship fruitful.
Linga/Saguṇa worship often involves disciplined daily practice (pūjā, abhiṣeka, japa). The verse explains that early obstacles are natural, and that unwavering continuity in such worship is what draws the Lord’s pleased response.
Maintain steady japa of the Pañcākṣarī “Om Namaḥ Śivāya” and regular Linga-pūjā/abhiṣeka; accept temporary hardship without abandoning the vrata, as steadfastness is highlighted as the key offering.