Śiva–Arjuna Yuddha and the Subjugation of Pride (Śiva-parīkṣā)
इच्छया च कृतं मेऽद्य नापराधस्तवाधुना । नादेयं विद्यते तुभ्यं यदिच्छसि वृणीष्व तत्
icchayā ca kṛtaṃ me'dya nāparādhastavādhunā | nādeyaṃ vidyate tubhyaṃ yadicchasi vṛṇīṣva tat
我今日所行,皆出于我自身之意愿;因此此刻你并无过失。于你而言,无有不可赐与之物——随你所愿,择取你所欲者。
A devotee/boon-giver addressing a revered recipient (inferred dialogue within Śatarudrasaṃhitā narration as transmitted by Sūta to the sages)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahadeva
The verse emphasizes inner intention (icchā) and accountability: an act done knowingly is owned by the doer, and when aligned with dharma and devotion it need not be treated as an offence. It also highlights the Shaiva view of Shiva (Pati) as supremely capable—nothing is ‘ungivable’ to the Lord, whose grace can uplift the bound soul (paśu).
In Saguna worship—especially Linga-upāsanā—the devotee approaches Shiva as the compassionate Lord who grants what is spiritually beneficial. ‘Choose what you desire’ points to the boon-granting aspect of Saguna Shiva, while implying that wise desire should be refined through devotion so the boon becomes a means toward purification and liberation.
A practical takeaway is to approach Shiva with clear intention and humility: perform Linga-pūjā with Panchākṣarī japa (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), offer water and bilva, and mentally relinquish aparādha through sincere confession and resolve—seeking not merely worldly gifts but purity, devotion, and mokṣa.