Shloka 6
रुद्रसर्गः (नीललोहितः), अष्टनाम-स्थान-परिवारः, श्री-नारायणयोः अभेदव्याप्तिः
भवं शर्वम् अथेशानं तथा पशुपतिं द्विज भीमम् उग्रं महादेवम् उवाच स पितामहः
bhavaṃ śarvam atheśānaṃ tathā paśupatiṃ dvija bhīmam ugraṃ mahādevam uvāca sa pitāmahaḥ
二次生者啊，彼时毗多摩诃（梵天）称他为“婆婆”（Bhava）与“舍尔瓦”（Śarva），又称“伊沙那”（Īśāna）与“畜主”（Paśupati）；并且还呼他为“毗摩”（Bhīma）、“乌格罗”（Ugra）与“摩诃提婆”（Mahādeva）。
Sage Parāśara (narrating; reporting Brahmā’s address to Rudra/Śiva)
Speaker: Parasara
Topic: Enumeration of Rudra’s principal names as connoting specific cosmic powers
Teaching: Cosmological
Quality: authoritative
Concept: Divine names (bhava, śarva, īśāna, paśupati, etc.) indicate distinct modes of lordship and responsibility rather than mere epithets.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: Use sacred names as contemplative lenses—each name evokes a virtue (protection, rulership, restraint) to cultivate in one’s own conduct.
Vishishtadvaita: Multiplicity of divine powers is harmonized within a single ordered reality, supporting a qualified unity rather than featureless monism.
FAQs
The verse uses multiple epithets to show Rudra’s diverse cosmic functions—lordship, guardianship of beings, and fierce transformative power—within the ordered process of creation.
Parāśara typically presents a hierarchy of cosmic administration: Brahmā speaks and assigns functions, while deities like Rudra manifest specific powers—yet the Purana’s broader frame places all such functions within the universal sovereignty of Vishnu.
Even when the verse highlights Rudra’s greatness, the Vishnu Purana’s theology treats these powers as part of the cosmos governed by Vishnu as the supreme reality and ultimate ground of order.