Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 12
शिवतत्त्वे परापरभावविचारः
Inquiry into Śiva’s Principle and the Parā–Aparā Paradox
अन्यथा निरपेक्षेण मूर्तिः स्वीक्रियते कथम् । मूर्तिस्वीकरणं तस्मान्मूर्तौ साध्यफलेप्सया
anyathā nirapekṣeṇa mūrtiḥ svīkriyate katham | mūrtisvīkaraṇaṃ tasmānmūrtau sādhyaphalepsayā
若非如此，那位全然独立无待（nirapekṣa）的主，怎会接受一尊圣相（mūrti）？因此，主示现并受纳圣相，是为成就所求之果——使求道者依此圣相而得其所愿的灵性成果。
Suta Goswami (narrating Shaiva philosophical teaching to the sages at Naimisharanya in the Vayu Samhita context)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Role: liberating
Offering: pushpa
FAQs
It explains that the Supreme Shiva, though independent and beyond limitation, assumes an accessible form out of grace so seekers can realize specific spiritual fruits—especially purification, devotion, and liberation.
It supports saguna-upasana: the Form (including the Shiva Linga) is accepted as a compassionate means for embodied beings to approach the nirguna Reality and attain the intended result through focused worship.
Take refuge in a chosen Shiva-form (Linga or Murti) with a clear aim, and practice steady japa—especially the Panchakshara mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—as the means to attain the sought fruit.